SEMEN ANALYSIS Flashcards
INDICATIONS
to check for infertility
to evaluate success of post vasectomy procedure
for Medico-legal cases/forensic studies
site of spermatogenesis; produces 5% of semen volume (sperm cells)
Testis (seminiferous tubules)
site of sperm maturation and storage
Epididymis
provide nutrients(fructose) for sperm
Seminal Vesicles
coagulation and liquefaction
Prostate gland
produce acidic fluid that contains ACP, citric acid, zinc, proteolytic enzymes
Prostate gland
add alkaline mucus to neutralize prostatic acid and vaginal acidity
Bulbourethral glands/ Cowper’s land
produce testosterone
Leydig cells
provide nutrients for the germ cells as they undergo spermatogenesis
Sertoli cells
propel sperm to the ejaculatory duct
Vas deferens / ductus deferens
COMPOSITION
Spermatozoa/Semen:
Seminal fluid/Seminal vesicles:
Prostate fluid.Prostate gland:
Alkaline mucus:
Epididymis, vas deferens, bulbourethral glands:
Spermatozoa/Semen: 5%
Seminal fluid/Seminal vesicles: 60-70%
Prostate fluid.Prostate gland: 20-30%
Alkaline mucus: 5%
Epididymis, vas deferens, bulbourethral glands: 10-15%
- produced by the seminiferous tubules of the testes
Sperm cells
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS
Acid phosphatase
Zinc
Fructose
Potassium, citric acid, ascorbic acid
Proteolytic enzymes
Spermine and choline
distinguishes semen from other fluids
Acid phosphatase
major nutrient of spermatozoa
Fructose
liquefaction and coagulation of seminal fluid
Proteolytic enzymes
Abstinence period:
3 to 5 days or not more than 7 days
Abstinence period Prolonged:
higher volume, decreased sperm motility and increased flavin content
Time of collection:
preferably early in the morning with an empty bladder before ejaculation
Container:
wide-mouthed, warm, sterile glass or plastic
Transport and testing: brought and tested in the lab within
30 minutes to 1 hour
Specimens for fructose level analysis should be tested within
2 hours
Fertility testing: requires [?] at 2 weeks interval
2 to 3 samples
is essential
Complete collection of semen
First portion not collected (1st and 2nd fractions)
Falsely decreased sperm count
Falsely increased pH
Specimen will not liquefy
Last portion not collected (3rd fraction)
Falsely decreased semen volume
Falsely increased sperm count
Falsely decreased pH
Specimen will not clot
METHODS OF COLLECTION
Self-Production or Masturbation
Condom Collection
Vaginal Vault Aspiration
Coitus Interruptus
: best method collection because it prevents contamination
Self-Production or Masturbation
: requires the use of condoms that are non-lubricant-containing and made from polyurethane.
Condom Collection
: contains spermicidal agents
***Ordinary condoms
: aspiration of seminal fluid from the vaginal vault after coitus
Vaginal Vault Aspiration
: not reliable method of collection because the first portion of the ejaculate may be lost
Coitus Interruptus
All semen specimen are potential reservoirs for
HIV and HEPATITIS virus
STANDARD PRECAUTIONS
Discarded as
biohazardous waste
Specimens must be kept at
body temperature (37oC)
: preserved in frozen state at -85C and stored for one year
Artificial insemination
: should be frozen if delay in testing is unavoidable
Fructose level testing
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Performed after liquefaction (within [?])
30 to 60 minutes
Color
Grayish white to Pearly white
Transparency
Translucent
Volume
2-5mL/ejaculation
Volume
Measured using a
graduated cylinder with 0.1 increments
Volume
Increased:
Decreased:
Increased: prolonged abstinence
Decreased: infertility
Odor
Fishy, distinct, “Chlorox-like”, Musty, acrid
Viscosity
Highly viscous, pours in droplets
Viscosity
Normal:
viscid to highly viscid
Viscosity
Reporting:
0 (watery) – 4 (gel-like)
Prolonged [?] indicates a possible deficiency in prostatic enzymes
Liquefaction
Assessed by pouring semen into a graduated glass (normal: drop by drop)
Liquefaction
Incomplete [?] impedes sperm motility and should be reported
Liquefaction
Liquefaction Time
30 minutes-1 hour
pH
7.2-8.0
: possible infection within the reproductive tract
↑pH (alkaline)