Semen analysis

In approx. 30% of cases of involuntary childlessness are caused by the man, while in 20% of the cases it is due to relationships between both the man and the woman. Disturbances in male fertility are in most cases the result of insufficient production of normal sperm cells with good mobility. If pregnancy has not been achieved naturally so far, a semen analysis can show the man’s sperm quality. We carry out the sperm analysis in our laboratory and advise you on the options for fertility treatment based on your individual circumstances.

New sperm purification system may increase the chance of pregnancy

Danfert & Stork fertility clinic is the only clinic in Denmark that offers MACS ART.

There has long been talk of DNA fragmentation (errors in the DNA chain) of sperm cells as a major problem in fertility treatment, as these sperm cells cannot lead to pregnancy. A lifestyle change, smoking cessation, weight loss, more exercise, vitamin and mineral supplements, etc. have been recommended, after which there has been the possibility of improved sperm quality after 4-6 months. They have thus not been able to help the couple in the current situation, but had to postpone the treatment for months.

The purification system MACS, ART Annexin V Microbeads, is used to remove sperm cells with a high proportion of fragmented DNA (increased DFI index) that are on the way to apoptosis (cell death). The method is used i.a. for the purification of stem cells at several university hospitals. The MACS purification is used immediately before fertilization of the woman’s egg, and can thereby remove the apoptotic sperm cells. Studies have shown an increased pregnancy rate of 3-5% with IVF treatment and up to 15% with ICSI treatment.

Få vurderet din sæd, hvis du er i tvivl

If you and your partner have been trying to get pregnant for a long time without success, or if you simply want to know the quality of your sperm, it may be a good idea to do a semen sample and have your sperm quality examined.

Contact Danfert & Stork fertility clinic and hear more today.

Frequent causes of reduced fertility in men

Sperm cells

In men, the maturation of the sperm cells starts at puberty. Stimulated by the sex hormone FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), which is produced in the pituitary gland, millions of sperm cells are developed daily in the sperm ducts of the testicles. After approx. At 10 weeks, the sperm migrate from the testicles into the epididymis, where sperm maturation is completed. If sperm maturation is disturbed, the sperm do not develop the correct shape and/or motility may be affected. The sperm can therefore find it more difficult to reach the woman’s fallopian tubes, where the fertilization of the egg takes place. In our laboratory, we examine sperm quality with a targeted sperm analysis. Based on your examination results, we will recommend the treatment that gives you and your partner the best chance of pregnancy.

Blocked fallopian tubes

During ejaculation, the sperm move through the vas deferens and urethra and enter the uterus via the woman’s vagina. In some cases, there is a sufficient amount of healthy sperm, which, however, cannot enter the woman’s body because the vas deferens are blocked. This is the case with approx. 4%. The cause of closed vas deferens can be:

  • Previous infection of the epididymis (eg chlamydia).
  • Surgery for inguinal hernia or hernia in the scrotum.
  • Sterilization.

What other causes are there for reduced sperm quality?

Reduced sperm quality can be caused by diseases, but they can also be congenital. The known causes include:

  • Mumps.
  • Varicose veins on the testicles (varicocele).
  • Cryptorcism ie. Testes that are not in the scrotum at birth.
  • Surgery on the scrotum, testicles, groin or penis.
  • Hormonal disorders.
  • Genetic causes (chromosomal abnormality).
  • Stress and environmental influences

Acute infections can also cause a temporary reduction in sperm quality. This is due to temperature increase caused by fever. In connection with your examination at the clinic, our doctors assess the potential causes of reduced sperm quality and plan your treatment course based on the examinations.

What can a semen analysis show?

When you visit one of our clinics due to involuntary childlessness, the first point in the diagnostics is often a sperm analysis. For this, a microscopic examination of the man’s sperm sample is carried out in our laboratories immediately after delivery (within 60 minutes). The semen is then placed in a special counting chamber and analyzed under a microscope. In the study, we record the number of sperm cells per milliliters of seminal fluid and sperm motility. According to the WHO guidelines for normal sperm quality, the number is 20 million sperm cells per milliliters of seminal fluid. Of these sperm, at least 25% must have good forward movement. If the semen analysis shows lower values than this, it is a question of limited fertility. If appropriate, in our clinics we can e.g. offer treatments such as ICSI or IVF. Our doctors will be happy to advise you in detail on these and other topics.

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