Seminal Fluid

• What are the reasons for fluid analysis mentioned in the lecture?

  Fertility testing, post vasectomy semen analysis, and forensic analysis.
• What is the composition of semen?

  • 5% Spermatozoa
  • 60-70% Seminal Fluid
  • 20-30% Prostatic Fluid
  • 5% Bulbourethral gland
• What role do Sertoli cells play in spermatogenesis?

  Sertoli cells serve as nurse cells for developing sperm cells and secrete inhibin to inhibit FSH synthesis.
• Where does sperm maturation occur?

  In the epididymis.
• What is the function of seminal vesicles?

  They provide nutrients for sperm and produce a slightly alkaline fluid rich in fructose.
• What is the composition of prostatic fluid?

  It is an acidic fluid containing ACP, zinc, citric acid, and proteolytic enzymes.
• What is the purpose of bulbourethral gland secretions?

  To produce thick alkaline mucus that neutralizes acidity from prostatic secretions and the vagina.
• What are the structures involved in sperm production and transport?

  • Seminiferous Tubules: Spermatogenesis
  • Epididymis: Sperm maturation
  • Vas (Ductus) Deferens: Propel sperm to ejaculatory ducts
  • Seminal Vesicles: Provide nutrients and fluid
  • Prostate Gland: Provide enzymes and proteins
  • Bulbourethral Glands: Neutralize acidity
• What is the recommended abstinence period for fertility testing?

  1. 3 days, with 2-3 samples examined at 2-week intervals.
• What happens if a patient abstains for more than 5 days before a semen analysis?

  It results in increased volume but decreased motility.
• How should the specimen be collected for semen analysis?

  The patient must collect with an empty bladder and collect the entire ejaculate.
• What is the consequence of not collecting the first part of the ejaculate?

  It results in decreased sperm count, increased pH, and the specimen will not liquefy.
• What is the consequence of not collecting the last part of the ejaculate?

  It results in decreased specimen volume and increased sperm count, and the specimen will not clot.
• What are the methods of semen collection?

  • Masturbation (most preferred)
  • Coitus interruptus (withdrawal method)
  • Condom Method (non-lubricant)
  • Vaginal vault aspiration
• When is the best time to collect a semen sample?

  Preferably in the morning.
• How should the semen specimen be transported to the lab?

  It should be maintained at body temperature.
• What preservative is used for semen specimens?

  Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline.
• Why is it important to note the time of specimen collection?

  To ensure proper analysis and liquefaction timing.
• What enzymes can be used to liquefy the specimen?

  Proteolytic enzymes such as bromelain and alpha chymotrypsin.
• When should analysis be done after liquefaction?

  Usually 30-60 minutes after liquefaction.
• What is the normal appearance of semen?

  Gray-white, translucent to pearly white, colorless to creamy white.
• What does increased white turbidity in semen indicate?

  It indicates infection or increased WBC.
• What does red coloration in semen signify?

  Increased RBC.
• What does yellow coloration in semen indicate?

  Increased contamination, urine contamination, or medication.
• What is the normal volume of semen?

  2 to 5 mL.
• What can increased viscosity in semen indicate?

  Decreased sperm motility.
• What is the normal pH range of semen?

  1. 2 to 8.0 or 7.3 to 8.3 (slightly alkaline).
• What does increased pH in semen indicate?

  It indicates infection.
• What does decreased pH in semen indicate?

  It indicates increased prostatic fluid.
• What is the normal specific gravity of semen?

  1. 033.
• What is the normal sperm concentration per mL?

  20-160 million/mL.
• What are the methods for sperm concentration analysis?

  • Improved Neubauer Counting Chamber
  • Makler Counting Chamber
• What is the dilution ratio used in the Improved Neubauer Counting Chamber?

  1. 20.
• What is the purpose of the diluents used in sperm concentration analysis?

  To immobilize the sperm.
• What is the formula for sperm concentration computation?

  $\text{sperm conc.} =$ \frac{\text{# of cells counted} \times \text{dilution}}{\text{# of squares counted} \times 0.1}
• If 1 sperm is counted and 2 WBC squares are counted, what is the sperm concentration?

  $100,000 \text{ s/mL}$
• If 1 sperm is counted and 5 RBC squares are counted, what is the sperm concentration?

  $1,000,000 \text{ s/mL}$
• What is the normal sperm count per ejaculate?

  ≥ 40 million/ejaculate.
• What is the formula for calculating sperm count?

  $\text{sperm count} =$$\text{sperm conc.} \times \text{specimen volume}$
• How is sperm motility assessed?

  It is performed undiluted and examined microscopically (20 HPF).