24 Dec Physical characteristics of Semen in Males

Here at International Institute of Reproduction and Fertility Training, we aspire to become the leaders in providing fertility training courses to produce skilled embryologists and remove infertility from its roots.

Today, we are going to discuss the physical characteristics of semen in males.

The semen present in males plays a key role in determine the fertility potential. Below are the physical characteristics of semen explained in detail.

• The semen should be evaluated macroscopically as soon as possible after receiving in the laboratory pending detailed examination at the uniform time of one hour after collection. Semen sample should be stored at room temperature, which should be around 24° C to 27° C and if this is not possible then at 37° C incubator.
• It is good to make uniform practice of storing samples at 37° C so as to achieve same standardization.
• Immediate assessment should be made for presence of coagulation. Semen normally gets liquefied within 20 minutes. Specimens are not liquefied and within one hour of collection exhibit high viscosity and should be recorded as abnormal liquefaction and viscosity.
• The sample should be thoroughly mixed by swirling or repeated with transfer pipettes. Care should be taken to avoid frothing.
• Semen color and odor should be evaluated. Normal color is grayish white opalescent. Translucent color is associated with low or absent sperm counts. Yellow, pink or red coloration should be noted and denote disease condition. Yellow color is due to jaundice, red and pink color is due to blood contamination.
• Any abnormal smell of putrification or urine should be noted. Semen volume is measured by transferring the entire content to conical bottom test tubes and volume is recorded to nearest half ml.
• High or low volumes are associated with infertility. Normal volume is 2-6 ml per ejaculation.
• Viscosity is noted while transferring to test tube. If the sample leaves pipette in clear drops then the viscosity is normal. If it leaves with a thread of more than 2 cms, it is high viscosity.
• After noting physical parameters, pH is noted to nearest 0.1 pH points.
• Normal pH is alkaline in the range 7.2 to 8.0. If pH is less than 7.0 with Azoospermia, there may be obstruction of the ejaculatory ducts or bilateral congenital absence of the vasa. pH of more than 8.0 is mostly associated with infections and high viscosity.

Our IVF training institute IIRFT offers a wide range of fertility courses to help students nurture their skills in the field of embryology. We also provide hands-on experience on CASA (computer-aided sperm analysis).

If you have the passion to learn about state of the ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) with cutting edge technology under the guidance of Dr. Rita Bakshi & Competent Team, Get admission now by filling the details in the section mentioned below or write us at [email protected] for any query.