Private Sperm Analysis

Male factor infertility accounts for about 35% of infertility and a seminal fluid analysis (SFA) is a comprehensive way to assess if any difficulty in conceiving is related to a problem with sperm.

An SFA at MFS, otherwise known as a private sperm analysis, assesses a sperm sample according to the standards defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Kruger Strict criteria:

volume of the sample in millilitres
concentration: the number of sperms in millions per millilitre
motility: a grading of the % of the sperm that move and the speed of this movement (Grades A-D with Grade A=highly motile & D = immotile)
morphology: the % of the sperm of a normal shape
white blood cells: the number per millilitre
Ph: the alkaline/acid balance
antisperm antibodies: identification of antibodies on the sperm tail or head which would prevent the sperm moving properly or being able to penetrate the egg

Who may benefit from a private sperm analysis?

Any man who has been actively trying to conceive with his partner for approximately 12 months and is not aware of any reasons which could prevent this from occurring. Certain prescribed and non-prescription drugs can have an affect on the production of sperm should be discussed with his GP if appropriate. Also, to comprehensively diagnose a problem it is essential that his female partner should also undergo appropriate fertility investigations.

What does a private sperm analysis involve?

the man should abstain from ejaculation for between two to five days before providing the sperm sample for analysis, to ensure the results are optimal, accurate and to reduce the chance of having to provide another sample
ideally, the sample should be produced at MFS, or alternatively produced elsewhere in a sterile, non-toxic pot supplied by MFS, kept at a constant body temperature and delivered to MFS within one hour
the man should wash and dry his hands and penis before producing the sample
the sample should be produced by masturbation and without the use of lubricants
the sample is examined by laboratory staff and tested according to the WHO protocol and Kruger criteria
within one hour of providing the sample, during a consultation with a senior embryologist, the man will be given the results of the analysis and a comparison with the WHO criteria for a ‘normal’ semen analysis. Advice will be given on the probability of his sperm achieving either a natural pregnancy or alternatively whether fertility treatment such as IVF or ICSI is recommended. He will be given a copy of the laboratory report.

What is included in the cost of a private sperm analysis?

the laboratory analysis of the sperm sample
a same-day follow-up appointment with a member of the laboratory staff to report the results
a copy of the report detailing the results

What is not included in the cost of a private sperm analysis?

any other investigations or treatments
freezing or storage of any sperm sample

How long does the test take?

Allow just one to two hours for the single appointment to provide the sample, the laboratory analysis of the sample and the follow-up appointment with a member of the laboratory team for the results.

Costs

Cost of a private sperm analysis at MFS: £275