What conventional semen analyses do not reveal...
It is not unusual for a conventional semen analysis to show good sperm quality, even though you are experiencing difficulties with having a child. The reason could be that the genetic material in the sperm cells is not satisfactorily packaged. This is namely a factor not looked into by conventional semen analyses.
The conventional semen analysis will determine the number of motile sperm cells of normal appearance. These sperm cells are capable of reaching the place in the fallopian tubes where fertilisation will take place. Thus, this examination will reveal the number of sperm cells in a semen sample capable of fertilisation. The lower the number of capable sperm cells, the lower the likelihood of the egg being fertilised.
Even though the egg has been fertilised, this does not, however, guarantee successful development of the tiny embryo. Perhaps the sperm cell first to reach the egg contains damaged genetic material. The degree of damage to the genetic material will decide for how long the pregnancy will continue, before it will result in miscarriage. In order to determine whether there are problems with the genetic material in the sperm cell, it will be necessary to supplement the conventional semen analysis with an SCSA® analysis. This way you will not only know whether there are a sufficient number of sperm cells capable of fertilisation, but also whether their genetic material has been satisfactorily packaged.
Ordinary semen analyses will determine the following:
- The semen volume
- The sperm concentration (number per millilitre)
- The sperm-cell mobility (motility)
- If necessary, an assessment of the sperm cells’ individual appearance (morphology)