F AUBF: SEMEN ANALYSIS

• Composition of Semen: Spermatozoa - 5%
• Composition of Semen: Seminal fluid - 60-70%
• Composition of Semen: Prostate Fluid - 20-30%
• Composition of Semen: Bulbourethral glands - 5%
• IMPORTANCE OF SEMINALYSIS: A man has a reproductive problem that is causing infertility.
• IMPORTANCE OF SEMINALYSIS: A vasectomy or vasectomy reversal has been successful
• The testes are paired glands in the scrotum that contain the seminiferous tubules for the secretion of sperm.
• Specialized Sertoli cells provide support and nutrients for the germ cells as they undergo mitosis and meiosis (spermatogenesis).
• In the epididymis, the sperm mature and develop flagella. The entire process takes approximately 90 days.
• The ejaculatory ducts receive both the sperm from the ductus deferens and fluid from the seminal vesicles.
• The seminal vesicles produce most of the fluid present in semen. The fluid contains a high concentration of fructose and flavin.
• Spermatozoa metabolize the fructose for the energy needed for the flagella to propel them through the female reproductive.
• Flavin is responsible for the gray appearance of semen.
• The muscular prostate gland, located just below the bladder, surrounds the upper urethra and aids in propelling the sperm through the urethra by contractions during ejaculation.
• The milky acidic fluid contains high concentrations of acid phosphatase, citric acid, zinc, and proteolytic enzymes responsible for both the coagulation and liquefaction of the semen following ejaculation
• The bulbourethral glands, located below the prostate, contribute about 5% of the fluid volume in the form of a thick, alkaline mucus that helps to neutralize acidity from the prostate secretions and the vagina.
• It is important for semen to be alkaline to neutralize the vaginal acidity present as a result of normal bacterial vaginal flora. Without this neutralization, sperm motility would be diminished
• Seminiferous tubules of testes - Spermatogenesis
• Epididymis - Sperm maturation
• Ductus deferens - Propel sperm to ejaculatory ducts
• Seminal vesicles - Provide nutrients for sperm and fluid
• Prostate gland - Provide enzymes and proteins for coagulation and liquefaction
• Bulbourethral glands - Add alkaline mucus to neutralize prostatic acid and vaginal acidity
• Sexual abstinence of from 2 to 3 days to not longer than 5 days
• fertility testing: 2-3 sample; 2 weeks intervals
• Masturbation - directing the semen into a clean sample cup.
• Coitus interruptus - withdrawing the penis from the partner just before ejaculating follow by ejaculating into a clean sample cup
• Condom Method - use nonlubricant containing rubber or polyurethane condom
• Assisted ejaculation – electro-ejaculation used in paralegics
• When a part of the first portion of the ejaculate is missing, the sperm count will be decreased, the pH falsely increased, and the specimen will not liquefy.
• When part of the last portion of ejaculate is missing, the semen volume is decreased, the sperm count is falsely increased, the pH is falsely decreased, and the specimen will not clot
• The specimen should be kept at room temperature and delivered to the laboratory within 1 hour of collection
• Coitus interruptus is not a reliable means of semen collection because the first portion of the ejaculate, which contains the highest number of spermatozoa, may be lost and the low pH of the vaginal fluid may affect sperm motility.
• All semen specimens are potential reservoirs for HIV and hepatitis viruses, and standard precautions must be observed at all times during analysis
• Specimens are discarded as biohazardous waste.
• Sterile materials and techniques must be used when semen culture is to be performed or when the specimen is to be processed for bioassay, intra-uterine insemination, or in vitro fertilization.
• Normal semen has a gray-white color, appears translucent, and has a characteristic musty odor.
• When the sperm concentration is very low, the specimen may appear almost clear
• Increased white turbidity indicates the presence of white blood cells (WBCs) and infection within the reproductive tract
• During microscopic examination, WBCs must be differentiated from immature sperm (spermatids)