The quality of sperm is primarily assessed through a proper, reliable and complete Spermiogram. The Spermiogram is performed under certain conditions by experienced laboratory scientists and includes the following elements:

• Natural characteristics of sperm
• Basic quality and quantity sperm parameters
• Additional examinations (microbiologic control – biochemical factors)

In cases where the patient’s history provides relevant indications, the spermatological profile is completed by special tests regarding, e.g. oxidative stress, sperm DNA integrity, fertilising ability (acrosome reaction test etc.)

The causes of male sperm problems may have endogenous and/or exogenous origin.

Endogenous causes
Incertain cases, sperm damage is due to testicular dysfunction or a pathological condition of the body that causes reduced sperm production (hormonal disorder, diabetes, cryptorchidism, varicocele, genetic predisposition). Such factors may affect men during fetal or early neonatal age.

In addition, old age has been associated with negative effects in sperm quality.

Exogenous causes
Various environmental factors are likely to be responsible for a number of sperm disorders. These include:

• Contact with harmful substances that pollute the atmosphere, water, soil and the food chain (e.g. PCBs, insecticides, pesticides)
• Exposure to high temperatures
• Obesity
• Daily habits, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive exercise, long hours of mobile phone close to the testicles
• The use of substances (anabolic steroids, drugs, strong medication etc.)

Avoiding daily habits that are connected to spermatoxic effects may contribute to the protection of sperm. The strengthening of the body with substances that shield general health, particularly in cases where nutrition is deficient, might also contribute to this purpose. In general, it is good for men,in reproductive phase, to:

• Quit or at least reduce smoking – nicotine reduces the antioxidant action of seminal fluid
• Reduce excessive alcohol consumption– alcohol has toxic effect on spermatogenesis
• Have frequent intercourse with their partner (approximately every 2-3 days) – the frequency of ejaculation contributes to the renewal of sperm and the secretion of non “aged’ spermatozoa
• Wear comfortable underwear and avoid hot baths – high temperatures suspend spermatogenesis
• Avoid exposure to chemical substances (herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals) and radiation in their working environment – they are all inhibiting factors to spermatogenesisς

Considering the adverse environmental conditions of modern lifestyle, a gesture of prudence and foresight on behalf of all young men regarding the protection and preservation of their fertility, would be FREEZING and CRYOPRESERVATION OF SPERM.

For further information, you may contact the personnel of our Laboratory during working days and hours.

The sperm examination is applied, when assessing male fertility,to:

• Men who make conception efforts – when no conception has been achieved following 12 months of continuous intercourse without contraception
• Men with aggravated medical history – inflammation, hematospermia, cryptorchidism, orchitis due to parotitis, varicocele, testicularinjury or torsion
• Men who are affected by aggravating factors – during work or following strong treatment (e.g. anti-cancer treatment)
• Men who want to have the quality of their sperm assessed as a precaution, and to ensure their future reproductive ability

Precautionary examination to every 18-22-year old man may be important for the future, since early detection of a possible problem allows more efficient treatment.

In addition, sperm cryopreservation for future use is a gesture of prudence, since modern living conditions are particularly aggravating.

The reliability of sperm analysis is based on following specific rules throughout the whole procedure, including:

The preparation of the examined person
The sample collection
The conduction of examinations
The recording of the results 
The delivery of results to the examined person

A necessary prerequisite for the proper implementation of all the above steps, is the application of a strict Quality Assurance System by the Laboratory that conducts the examination.

Sample collection instructions:
Abstinence from ejaculation between 2 and 7 days, ideally 2-4 precisely. Any period shorter or longer than that may affect the result.
The most advisable way of sampling is masturbation. It is also possible to use a special condom without the spermicidal substances of common condoms. For further details contact us.

Wash the genitals and hands well with plenty of water, so that there is no soap residue.
Collect the entire amount of the sample, paying particular attention to the first drops, which contain the best fraction of the ejaculate. It is recommended to have a full erection
If you prefer the collection to be done at your place, the sample should preferably be transferred to us in body temperature, within 45 minutes (maximum 1 hour) of collection.

Attention:
If you have had a fever or a serious health problem in the last period, consult your doctor before taking a sperm test. It is best to avoid the test until sufficient time has passed (about 2.5-3 months) so that the results are not affected.

Due to the seasonal fluctuations that sperm normally exhibits, W.H.O. recommends repeating the test, especially if the first test has shown a low result. The review should be done within 1 to 3 months of the first one.

The new reference values for the basic sperm parameters, based on data of the World Health Organisation (2022), are the following:

A sperm is considered to be normal when the values of the parameters are above such thresholds, without certainty as to the fertility of the sperm. On the contrary, a sperm with parameters below the thresholds is not necessarily considered to be unable for fertilization.

Such thresholds have been established basedoninternationalstudiesonmenwhohaveachievednormalpregnancywithinoneyearofintercoursewithoutcontraception. Therefore, they constitute a guideline for the assessment of increased or reduced possibilities of pregnancy by men whose spermiogram is above or below the specific thresholds.

The fertilisation potential depends on various factors and is assessed based on the spermiogram and further specialized laboratory examinations, clinical history and gynaecological profile.

• Pharmaceutical treatment, in cases of inflammation, hormonal disorders or erectile dysfunction (e.g. antibiotics, hormonal preparations, etc.)
• Surgery, in cases of obstruction (e.g. varicocele repair, opening blocked ducts of the genital system)
• Methods of medically assisted reproduction, such as intrauterine insemination, the classic method of IVF or microinsemination. These techniques do not cure the cause of male infertility, but "bypass" the problem, providing the couple with the possibility to achieve fertilization, even when the quality of the sperm is extremely poor.