Semen Analysis
If you and your partner have been unable to conceive, it is time to seek out a professional semen analysis.
Testing your semen can rule out or identify causes of infertility, allowing you to make an informed decision on fertility treatment.
Why should you consider testing your semen at the Houston Fertility Center in Houston, TX?
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 specialists in Houston, TX, need 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.
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.
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.
Call Houston Fertility Center
(713) 225-5375
Here for the People of Houston "The staff in this place can make your day!"
Ashley Davis
2021
Dr Kristiansen and her staff were absolutely amazing and informative throughout my whole process.
View on GoogleMohammed Sultan
2020
The staff in this place can make your day! Overall experience was excellent.
View on GoogleSemen 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.
What 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.
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.
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. The researchers were unable to measure changes in sperm morphology or motility given the data limitations of older infertility studies.
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
"My husband and I had a great experience here. Our first visit was relaxed and informative. Another place we tried was very pushy and salesy, like they were selling me a car.
"Dr. Kristiansen and staff were always so kind and attentive. When we had difficulty, they were caring and very helpful. They were accommodating to our unique schedule, and informative whenever we had questions, no matter how silly.
"I recommend this place to anyone having difficulties. Thank you HFC for helping us conceive our TWINS!!" Laura H - 5 Star Review
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
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.
5-Star Reviews "We Are Truly Blessed"
Winston Blakely
2019
Dr Kristiansen changed our lives and everything is as it should be. Other doctors told us that it wouldn't happen, but we found success on our first round. We are truly blessed.
The Westbrook's
2019
Dr. K, The Embrologist, and her Nurses are a God Sent. After almost 20 years of trying they made my dreams come true.
Thank You So Much
