Semen Analysis
Why Test Your Semen?
Infertility Is Not Just a Woman's Problem
At least one-third of infertility issues are caused by male infertility. Before deciding if IVF or a different reproductive strategy is right for you and your partner, our fertility doctor's office in Houston, TX, needs to determine which partner (if not both) has a reproductive issue.
We May Detect Health Concerns
After analyzing your semen sample, we may discover that you have a low sperm count or some other sperm issue because of a health concern like diabetes or an unhealthy lifestyle. After identifying these kinds of issues, we can help you seek treatment to increase your chances of conception.
It Can Help You Conceive
Fertility treatments like IVF or INVOcell can truly make your family's dreams come true by allowing you to conceive a healthy baby. However, we cannot proceed with any sort of reproductive treatment without a professional semen analysis. Although it may seem embarrassing or even intimidating, a semen analysis is the first step toward achieving your family-building goals.
Understanding Sperm Count What Is Considered Low?
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A person is diagnosed with a low sperm count (oligospermia) if they have less than 15 million sperm per millimeter of semen, or less than 39 million sperm in their ejaculate. A complete lack of sperm in the ejaculate is known as azoospermia.
The Importance of a Professional Semen Analysis Why You Should Not Rely on Over-the-Counter Testing Kits
While store-bought semen tests are available, they are not as accurate as the results provided by a professional semen analysis. An over-the-counter kit only tests your sperm count. It does not analyze motility, morphology, semen composition, or other factors that contribute to the overall quality or viability of the ejaculate.
In addition to giving you a more comprehensive understanding of your sperm and the potential causes of infertility, getting a professional medical diagnosis at our practice in Houston, TX, also gives you access to potential treatment options.
We use advanced technology to analyze your semen.
Speak with a Skilled Fertility Specialist
If you experience male infertility, you are not alone. Houston Fertility Center has helped many couples struggling with infertility. By analyzing your semen*, Dr. Kristiansen can develop a treatment plan that's right for you.
Using your semen sample, our team can assess your sperm count, motility, morphology, and overall quality. We can then determine the ideal procedure or health changes to address the infertility issues you're facing.
For more information about semen analysis, contact our practice online. You can also schedule an appointment by phone.
* If your female partner is not a patient of Dr. Kristiansen's, you must obtain a semen analysis order from your personal physician.
Call Houston Fertility Center
Here for the People of Houston "They don’t treat you like a business..."
A P.
Houston, TX
2023
From the very first phone call the staff was very patient and informative. I was given so much to work with and didn't feel rushed. All of my follow-up questions were answered as well. I will update my review over time.
View on Yellow PagesVicky Montenegro
Houston, TX
2023
I love this place and Dr. K has a high success rate. This is why I initially went to her clinic. They don’t treat you like a business but it’s very personal. I was successful on my first IVF attempt and had a healthy baby girl. I will be using her for my next baby when I’m able. Highly recommended.
View on GoogleWhat Are We Analyzing?
A normal sperm count should be at least 15 million sperm per millimeter collected.
The motility of sperm describes its ability to move. To conceive, sperm should be active.
The morphology of sperm refers to its shape. Sperm must be the right size and shape for successful conception.
If there is a low amount of semen from a single ejaculation, it might mean that there is blockage of your seminal vessels.
If You Are Frustrated by Attempts to Conceive, You Are Not Alone...
Researchers have noted a decline in sperm count among men in North America, Europe, and Australia...
In addition to these findings, the study also noted that sperm volume declined, going from 99 million sperm per millimeter of semen in 1973 to 47 million sperm per millimeter of semen in 2011. These findings have been confirmed in subsequent analyses.
Get Professional Help Today
If you and your partner are having trouble conceiving, Dr. Kristiansen and our team want to help. Our office is open early so that you can get the tests you need on a schedule that works for you. Because we offer virtually every form of infertility treatment, we can design a treatment plan that directly addresses the results of your semen analysis.
To schedule a consultation, contact our practice online. You can also request a consultation at the Houston Fertility Center by phone.
Call Our Office Today
(713) 225-5375
"Dr.K , Lana , Michelle , and all the rest of the team here are the most amazing, caring, and genuine group of people you could ask for. Especially when dealing with such an emotional experience such as infertility. Their facility is extremely clean, the girls are always smiling and helpful with any questions you need answered and from the very beginning of the process they provide you all the information up front! From start to finish the team will be there, you can’t ask for anything more in my opinion.
I did Invocell here and just recently had my baby boy from the frozen transfer where we transferred two embryos. I am so grateful to this clinic because without them and God my miracle child wouldn’t be here!
Thank you again this amazing office for all that you do and did to help me and my husband!
if your considering it , I highly recommend you set up a consultation you won’t regret it . And in fact you’ll see why so many people choose this office.
I will be back to expand our family once our son is about a year old :)" Andreana U - 5 Star Review
Realizing Your Dream of Parenthood
Dr. Sonja Kristiansen's fertility clinic in Houston serves Sugar Land and surrounding Harris County communities. She and her team use the latest technology, techniques, and procedures to help hopeful parents struggling with infertility realize their dreams of having children.
Semen Analysis Candidates Who Should Undergo Testing?
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We recommend a semen analysis if:
- You and your partner have been trying to conceive for at least one year without results.
- You or your partner are over 35 years of age.
The Basics of Semen Analysis
Collecting the Semen Sample
You will provide a semen sample by ejaculating into a collection cup. If you are uncomfortable doing so at the office, you can do this at home. However, to ensure the most accurate results, you should deliver the ejaculate to the office within 30 to 60 minutes. We will collect another semen sample after approximately two to three weeks.
Results & Recommendations
Once we have your sample, we will examine your semen under a microscope to assess the sperm's concentration, motility, morphology, and volume. The results of your test are usually ready within a week. Once we have your results, we can discuss possible lifestyle changes or treatment options to increase your chances of conception.
Preparing to Give a Sample
Prior to your collection date, we may ask you to refrain from ejaculation for a couple of days to ensure that your sperm count is as high as possible before your exam. However, you should not go more than seven days without ejaculation before your exam. We also recommend that you:
- Do not drink alcohol prior to your semen analysis
- Stay away from caffeine, cocaine, or marijuana
- Stop taking any herbal or hormone medications
- Avoiding sitting in hot tubs or saunas
Keep in mind that if you are feeling ill or are stressed before your test, it may affect your results.
Getting Your Results
If your results indicate male infertility issues, we may recommend additional assessments, such as genetic testing. Based off these tests, we may recommend:
- Adopting a healthier lifestyle and eliminating habits that could be lowering your sperm counts
- Getting treatment for any underlying conditions, such as diabetes
- Performing surgery if there is an obstruction
- Using a sperm donor
Our team will explain all of your options, listen to your concerns, and try to overcome any obstacles to assist you in growing your family.
Potential Causes Of Sperm and Semen Issues
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- Varicocele
- Ejaculation problems
- Elevated temperature around the testicles
- Tubal blockages
- Infections
- Anti-sperm antibodies
- Hormone imbalances
- Medication side effects
- Use of tobacco products
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Stress
5-Star Reviews "We definitely recommend Houston Fertility Center."
Celeste Garcia
Houston, TX
2023
I love this place the nurses definitely put alot of definition into this clinic. Without them and their kindness I probably wouldn't have made it mentally. Anytime I had a question they answered whether through phone call or email. It was the best!.. Thank you to Blanca and Mayra for making this the best experience for me! I'll be seeing yall again in another year or 2. ❤️
View on GoogleDiana B
Houston, TX
2023
Dr. Kristiansen and all the staff are great. We went in for a RIVF consultation and due to the way they treated us and made us feel we decided to begin the process as soon as we were able to. We will always be thankful to Dr. Kristiansen, Blanca, Melissa and especially Mayra they are all amazing, they helped us with our thousand questions and doubts and when we felt discouraged they kept our spirits up. Thanks to them we are now expecting our precious baby girl. We definitely recommend Houston Fertility Center.
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