Sperm Analysis
At Aagaard Klinik, we can make a thorough investigation of the man
An investigation for male infertility will include several steps.
After the first consultation, the man will usually hand in a semen sample to have it assessed. If you choose a male examination, the sample will be evaluated for both number, mobility, and the internal quality of the sperm cells. The fluid in which the sperm cells are located (seminal plasma) will also be examined.
When we receive a sperm sample, we will initially measure the volume and assess it under the microscope, where we examine, among other things, the number and movement of the sperm cells. If the sample should turn out to be reduced, we will purify the sperm sample and collect the sperm cells in a smaller volume. This allows us to better assess which type of fertility treatment the sample is best suited for.
Analysis for DNA damage
Before purification, we take some of the sperm and freeze it. This sample is used for a flow cytometric analysis, where the amount of DNA damage inside the sperm cells is determined. Many studies have shown that there is a correlation between the amount of DNA damage and the chance of achieving pregnancy - either spontaneously or after IUI treatment. The risk of losing the pregnancy along the way is also higher in couples where the man has an increased amount of DNA damage.
Analysis for oxdative/reductive stress
The cause can also be found in the surrounding environment in which the sperm cells are located. Before purification, we take some semen for analysis for oxidative stress in seminal plasma. If the oxidative stress is too high, one will investigate more thoroughly where this may originate. You can also have too many antioxidants. The analysis is therefore an important step in being able to advise patients in the right direction.
If you are undergoing fertility treatment at Aagaard Fertility Clinic, and we find that the amount of DNA damage is too high, or we see oxidative/reductive stress, we will offer a consultation where possible lifestyle factors are reversed to find the underlying cause of the problem. A scan of the testicles is also made if relevant (most often in connection with DNA damage).
If the amount of DNA damage is increased or we have found oxidative/reductive stress, we will usually ask you to come in with a new sample after a few months. This is included in the price.
Examination for male infertility costs please see our price list.
*In some cases, it may be relevant to take a blood or urine sample to investigate the underlying causes more closely. An additional payment must be made for this.
If you are not undergoing fertility treatment at Aagaard Fertility Clinic, a consultation with one of the clinic's therapists can be purchased as an additional cost, just as it is possible to purchase a testis scan as an additional cost.
Semen analysis
If you do not want a report, we can also offer to do a regular semen analysis. We can perform a semen analysis at the clinic. The semen sample can be made at home or at the clinic. We have a nice room decorated for this. If it is made at home, you get a sperm jar with name and CPR number and usually deliver it in the morning. The sample must not be more than 1 hour old and must be stored at body temperature. The semen sample is then analyzed in our laboratory. Here we measure the volume and assess it in the microscope, where we examine, among other things, the number and movement of the sperm. Should the sample turn out to be reduced, we will purify the sperm sample and collect the sperm in a smaller volume. This allows us to better assess which type of fertility treatment the sample is best suited for.
Storing of sperm
There can be many reasons for choosing to have sperm frozen and stored. Storing sperm can be a good option if:
- You’re about to have medical treatment that may potentially harm your sperm cells (for example radiation or chemotherapy)
- It’s difficult for you to supply fresh semen on the day of egg extraction
- You can’t be present on the day of IUI treatment or egg extraction
- You’re considering a vasectomy
50-70% of sperm cells die during the freezing and thawing process. So it’s really important to have your sperm’s suitability for freezing evaluated before freezing.
