Sperm Count - When?

Q: When should we consider having a spermanalysis and how do we have it done?

A: Dr. Amos suggests that you do a spermanalysis as soon as you start trying to get pregnant. About 50% of infertile couples have a problem with the sperm count and having this test done right away helps you improve your fertility immediately and prevents the woman from getting unneccessary tests done. A semen analysis done during the last year is considered current, but if he had a recent febrile illness (fever) or other problems possibly affecting the sperm count, testing should be postponed two to three months. Abnormal spermanalysis values are usually rechecked no sooner than one to two months. You can find normal values HERE.

It's not just the number of sperm that counts but also the "motility" (movement) and the "morphology" (shape). Calculate his Functional Motile Sperm Count and find out if he has enough good sperm. If his sperm count is considered abnormal, many doctors do a serum prolactin, FSH, testosterone, and sperm antibody testing. If white blood cells are present, more prolonged antibiotic therapy may be considered. Varicocele repair is controversial and should only be considered if the varicocele is rather large. Isolated motility defects may benefit from treatment with proXeed (acetyl L-carnitine and L-carnitine). Smokers can benefit from quitting and may be placed on antioxidant supplementation (vitamin C 1 gm/day and vitamin E 400IU/day). Calculate his "Functional Motile Sperm Count" HERE.