Sperm analysis

New sperm purification system can increase chances of pregnancy 

TFP Stork Fertility is the only clinic in Denmark to offer MACS ART.  

DNA fragmentation (errors in the DNA chain) of sperm has long been talked about as a major problem in fertility treatment, as these sperm cannot lead to pregnancy. Lifestyle changes, smoking cessation, weight loss, more exercise, vitamin and mineral supplements etc. have been recommended, after which improved sperm quality has been possible after 4-6 months. Thus, the couple could not be helped immediately and had to postpone treatment for months.  

The purification system MACS, ART Annexin V Microbeads, is used to remove sperm cells with a high proportion of fragmented DNA (elevated DFI index) that are undergoing apoptosis (cell death). The method is used for stem cell purification in several university hospitals. MACS purification is used immediately before fertilisation of the woman's egg and can thus remove the apoptotic sperm cells. Studies have shown an increased pregnancy rate of 3-5% with IVF treatment and up to 15% with ICSI treatment. The method should be used primarily for couples who have had a long fertility cycle with several treatments without pregnancy.  

Have your sperm assessed if you have any doubts 

If you and your partner have been trying for a long time to get pregnant without success, or if you just want to know the quality of your sperm, it may be a good idea to get a sperm test and have your sperm quality checked.   

Contact one of our TFP clinics to find out more today. 

Common causes of reduced male fertility  

Sperm  

In men, sperm maturation starts at puberty. Stimulated by the sex hormone FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) produced in the pituitary gland, millions of sperm cells develop daily in the sperm ducts of the testicles. After about 10 weeks, the sperm migrate from the testes into the seminal vesicles, where sperm maturation is completed. If sperm maturation is disturbed, the sperm do not develop the correct shape and/or motility may be affected. The sperm may therefore find it more difficult to reach the woman's fallopian tubes, where fertilisation of the egg takes place. In our laboratory, we examine sperm quality with a targeted sperm analysis. Based on your test results, we will recommend the treatment that gives you and your partner the best chance of pregnancy.  

Blocked sperm ducts  

At ejaculation, sperm move through the vas deferens and urethra and enter the uterus via the woman's vagina. In some cases, there is a sufficient amount of healthy sperm, but it cannot enter the woman's body because the sperm ducts are blocked. This is the case in about 4% of men with fertility problems. The cause of blocked sperm ducts can be:    

• Previous infection of the duct (e.g. chlamydia) 

• Surgery for inguinal hernia or hernia of scrotum 

• Sterilisation 

What are the other causes of reduced sperm quality?  

Reduced sperm quality can be caused by diseases, but they can also be congenital. Known causes include: 

• Mumps 

• Varicose veins on the testicles (varicocele) 

• Cryptorchidism i.e. testicles not in the scrotum at birth  

• Surgery on scrotum, testicles, groin or penis 

• Hormone disorders 

• Genetic causes (chromosomal abnormalities) 

• Stress and environmental influences 

Acute infections can also cause a temporary reduction in sperm quality. This is due to a rise in temperature caused by fever. During your examination at the clinic, our doctors will assess the potential causes of reduced sperm quality and plan your course of treatment based on the findings.    

What can a semen analysis show?  

When you visit one of our clinics for infertility, the first point of diagnosis is often a semen analysis. This involves a microscopic examination of the man's semen sample in our laboratories immediately after collection (within 60 minutes). The semen is then placed in a special counting chamber and analysed under a microscope. During the examination, we record the number of sperm cells per millilitre of semen and the movement of the sperm cells. According to WHO guidelines for normal sperm quality, the number is 20 million sperm cells per millilitre of semen. Of these sperm, at least 25% should have good forward motility. If the semen analysis shows lower values than this, there is limited fertility. In this case, our clinics can offer treatments such as ICSI or IVF. Our doctors will be happy to advise you in detail on these and other topics.