Semen

1. Semen Semen is made up of fluid and of sperm. The Fluid component is produced in various male reproductive organs; - The seminal vesicles produces a slightly alkaline fluid which makes up 50% of the semen fluid (it contains citric acid , flavins , fructose and potassium , these substances provide nutritional support for the spermatozoa). - The prostate gland contributes an acidic fluid containing acid phosphates , citric acid and proteolitic enzymes (including a clotting enzyme) , which makes up 20% of the semen fluid. The rest is contributed by other male reproductive organs, such as the bulb urethral and urethral glands , which produce a fluid important in lubricating the male reproductive system.

2. Semen The Spermatozoa is formed in the testis . The spermatozoa take over 70 days to develop and are produced solely in the testicles from a cell called a spermatogonium. The spermatogonium divides to produce spermatocytes, which then develop into spermatids. The spermatid develops its familiar tail and the cell gradually acquires the ability to move by beating its tail. The spermatid eventually develops into a mature spermatozoan. The fluid produced by the testicles contains several chemicals, but is particularly rich in testosterone The process of spermatozoa formation is under hormonal control including Testosterone ,Leuteinizing hormone LH , and Follicle- stimulating hormone FSH. Upon ejaculation the fluids from all these sources form the mixture semen.

3. Normal Semen Analysis Range Normal Values ; Volume ; 2.0 � 5.0 ml. pH ; 7.2- 7.8. Colour ; White , grayish white. Viscosity; Viscous. Liquefaction ; after 30 min. Sperm concentration ; 20 � 250 million / ml. Agglutination; None. Motility ; > 60% progressively motile. Penetration; > 30 mm. Viability ; > 75% . Normal Morphology ; > 70%. Immature forms ; < 2%. Leukocytes ; None � Occasional.

4. Normal Semen Analysis Range Red Blood Cells ; None. Epithelial Cells ; None � few. Bacteria ; None. Fructose ; 1+ to 4+ ( 300mg /dl) Specimen Collection ; It should be collected in a plastic or glass container , or in a special type of condom known as a collection condom. It should be performed after a 48- 72h absence of sexual activity so it contains an accurate account of sperm count and viability. The specimen should arrive at the laboratory as soon after collection as possible so that an accurate Liquefaction time can be reported. During transportation it should be kept near body temperature. The patient should be asked if any of the sample is lost since the highest concentration of sperm is in the first part of ejaculation.

5. Semen Analysis A semen analysis evaluates certain characteristics of a male's semen and the sperm contained in the semen. It may be done while investigating a couple's infertility or after a vasectomy to verify that the procedure was successful. Semen Analysis involves; 1-Macroscopical analysis ; Aa) Liquefaction; As soon as the sample arrives it is observed for liquefaction time beyond 60min is abnormal . The semen is initially in liquefied state but quickly coagulate by the action of protein kinase secreted by the seminal vesicles. Proteolytic enzymes from the prostate liquefy coagulum in 20-25 minutes. Abnormal liquefaction may be caused by prostatic abnormalities, e.g. prostatitis. Increased viscosity may affect sperm motility. b)Appearance; Semen normal can range from white , grey to light yellow. The higher the flavin concentration in semen the darker the yellow colour. The colour of semen might be affected by certain drugs.

6. Semen Analysis Brown or red coloured semen indicates blood. A highly turbid semen usually contains leukocytes in large amounts indicating infection of the reproductive tract infection. c) Volume ; normal volume is 2-5ml , Low volume may indicate partial or complete blockage of the seminal vesicals, or that the man was born without seminal vesicles . d)Viscosity; Normal semen is highly viscose and can be observed when measuring the volume . The increased viscosity is demonstrated by the formation of a string of fluid as the specimen is dispensed from the pipette. 2- Microscopic Analysis; Sperm count (sperm concentration); It can be done by automated methods or manually by a hemocytometer. Normal Count 20-250 million / ml Oligospermia ; sperm count less than 20 million / ml.