Assessment of sperm morphology

Sperm morphology is an indicator that reflects the percentage of sperm with normal structure (shape) among all cells in a semen sample. Deviations from the norm are called teratozoospermia, a condition in which the number of sperm with an abnormal shape increases, which reduces the likelihood of natural conception.

Sperm counts are evaluated using Kruger standards, so this test is also called a Kruger spermogram or Kruger fertility index.

Morphological appearance of the spermatozoon

A sperm with an abnormal structure is considered abnormal.

In 1987, Kruger proposed that spermatozoa that penetrated the cervical canal in 8 hours and were of the correct shape, without abnormalities or pathologies in structure, should be considered normal.
For the successful fertilization of an egg by a sperm, such criteria as the appearance, quantity, and quality of the sperm are important. Only cells with a normal external shape are able to move in a straight line with sufficient speed for further conception. Sperm body abnormalities of various localization and type reduce the likelihood of conception naturally.
Andrology specialists at theIVMEDclinic are able to determine the percentage of sperm with normal morphology in the semen, thereby answering the question of the probability of conceiving a child.

Indications for the study:

lack of natural conception, provided that the couple has been sexually active for a year without using contraception;
when a man wants to test his fertility;
the presence of diseases that contribute to impaired sperm development (varicocele, inflammation of the prostate gland, infectious processes, hormonal imbalance);
preparation for the use of assisted reproductive technologies or planning a natural pregnancy.

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Advantages of the procedure

What is evaluated in a spermogram with sperm morphology according to Kruger criteria:

total sperm volume
the total number of cells in the ejaculate, their number per millimeter of ejaculate;
assessment of appearance according to the Kruger system
level of mobility
level of adhesion
other inclusions contained in the semen
Indicators of the physical and chemical environment of the semen: color, viscosity, acidity of the environment, liquefaction period.

The Krueger morphology analysis system is very strict, so only cells with a perfect shape are taken into account when counting the number of sperm with normal morphology. All other cells are immediately classified as abnormal.

Abnormalities in the shape of the cell head are directly related to its ability to penetrate the egg and fertilize it, as well as to DNA damage.

Abnormalities in the neck and tail of the sperm directly affect its motility.

Preparation and course of the procedure

Simple recommendations that will allow you to get accurate and reliable results:

abstain from sexual intercourse and masturbation at least 3 days before the exam, but no more than 7 days before;
7 days before the biospecimen is submitted, refuse to drink all types of alcohol;
Quit smoking 3 hours before the biospecimen is submitted;
do not take hot baths, visit saunas or steam rooms 10 days before the delivery of the biomaterial;
If you take medications on a regular basis, especially if they include sedatives and antidepressants, please inform the IVMED clinic medical staff before you decide to take a spermogram. This is necessary to record this information in the study protocol.

Features of the procedure

Masturbation is the ideal method for collecting a semen analysis.
It is not recommended to collect semen during interrupted sexual intercourse.
It is not recommended to collect semen from a used condom. Close contact with the latex material and lubricant in the condom can reduce the active functions of sperm and cause inaccurate diagnostic results.
It is recommended to keep the temperature in the range of 18 -25 C during all stages of sample collection and storage.
If the temperature changes or goes beyond the critical values, this will also affect the active functions of the sperm and cause inaccurate test results.
The World Health Organization and IVMED clinic specialists advise to donate sperm in the clinic so that diagnostics of the donated material can begin immediately after the ejaculate is donated.

Additional information:

One ejaculate sample can be used (with a sufficient volume) for all types of semen analysis at one time! That is, you can get the results of several tests at once.
For a comprehensive assessment of the male factor of infertility, we recommend obtaining the results of other ejaculate tests.
2 hours - this is how long it takes to get the results of the spermogram.

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