Spermogram – what is it?
The spermogram is the quintessential test for assessing male fertility. In this test, an ejaculate sample is collected through masturbation. The sample is observed in the laboratory and several parameters are evaluated, such as volume, pH, concentration, motility, vitality and morphology. There are reference values from which each parameter is considered normal. If there are parameters with values below the reference values, the sample is given a classification, for example:
- Azoospermia – absence of sperm in the ejaculate
- Oligozoospermia – low sperm concentration
- Asthenozoospermia – low sperm motility
- Teratozoospermia – high percentage of sperm with morphological defects
- Hypo or Hyperspermia – low or high volume of ejaculate
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