If within a year the couple tried to conceive a child, but they did not succeed, doctors say primary infertility. To clarify the diagnosis and identify the causes of this condition, they need to undergo a comprehensive examination. The spermogram procedure, which is the most informative diagnostic measure, is first assigned to a man. It is with its help that one can detect such a pathological condition as aggregation in a spermogram. What does this definition mean and what effect does it have on a man's ability to conceive, we will consider in the article.
Aggregation Definition
Sperm quality is assessed by several indicators, one of which is the aggregation of sperm in a spermogram. What it is? Normally, a man’s sperm should have a uniform consistency, but it happens that under the influence of various causes, sperm begin to adhere to other cells, forming peculiar clots that a healthy man should not have. This condition is pathological and can adversely affect the reproductive function of men, because sperm in this form cannot move normally and lose their functionality. But experts note that in the absence of other changes in the indicators of analysis, aggregation will not be a significant obstacle to conception. If the spermogram indicates the presence of other pathologies, we can talk about impaired reproductive function. This condition requires immediate treatment, since the lack of therapy can lead to irreparable consequences.
Bonding cells
During aggregation, sperm cells do not stick together, but with other cells.
- Particles of mucus. The consequence of this is a decrease in sperm motility, which leads to a decrease in the likelihood of natural conception.
- Dead cells. This happens when a man has an inflammatory process of the reproductive system for a long time.
- Epithelial cells, immune cells, macrophages, red blood cells and others.
The difference between aggregation and agglutination
It is very important not to confuse these two states. In aggregation and agglutination in a spermogram, the development principle is very similar to each other. But if spermatozoa adhere to other cells during sperm aggregation, then when they agglutinate, they connect to each other and lose their ability to move.
Causes
There are several main causes of aggregation in a spermogram. Most of them are associated with inflammatory processes of the urogenital system of men. Let us consider in more detail the most common factors for the occurrence of this pathology.
- Cystitis, which is characterized by infection of the bladder.
- Prostatitis.
- Inflammation of the testicles and appendages.
- Inflammation of the testicles.
- Venereal diseases.
- Pyelonephritis.
- Paraproctitis.
- Various neoplasms.
- Alcohol and smoking, which affect sperm density, increasing the risk of sperm bonding to other cells.
In addition to the above factors, the cause of aggregation in the spermogram are:
- Improper nutrition, with predominant fatty, smoked, spicy foods.
- Frequent stresses.
- Work in hazardous industries.
- Decreased immunity.
- Bad habits.
- Injuries to the genitourinary system of a man.
Diagnostics
In some cases, a man can independently detect signs of aggregation in his spermogram. What does it mean? First of all, the following manifestations should alert:
- The appearance of lumps or seals in the seminal fluid.
- Sperm discoloration.
- Change in consistency. Semen becomes thicker and more viscous.
The detection of the above symptoms is an occasion to visit a doctor and pass the necessary tests. First of all, the following studies are prescribed:
- Urine and blood tests.
- Taking smears.
- Baksev.
- Ultrasound procedure.
- MAR test to detect immunological infertility.
- Spermogram. This method is the most informative in identifying sperm bonding. It is performed using a special sensitive microscope, which determines not only the presence of gluings, but also how much mucus, white blood cells, red blood cells are contained in the ejaculant.
Decryption analysis
When aggregation is detected in a spermogram, much attention is paid to which cells the sperm cells bonded to.
- Aggregation with mucus. This condition occurs most often and is characterized by a non-standard volume of ejection of seminal fluid. The reason for the appearance of lumps can indicate their color. If they are white, transparent and have a mucus consistency, this indicates prolonged abstinence. At the next sexual intercourse, such inclusions may disappear, otherwise it is recommended to consult a specialist. Reddish lumps or with impurities of blood indicate the occurrence of urethritis or tumor formations. Yellowish indicate an inflammatory process with the appearance of pus. In this case, painful urination and pain during intercourse occur.
- Aggregation in a spermogram with debris. What does it mean? In this case, the sperm cells are glued so that between them there are elements of dead cells. As a rule, this happens with a progressive inflammatory process. External signs of this pathology practically do not appear, with the exception of pain during intercourse. This type of aggregation can only be detected by means of a spermogram. Treatment can be quite lengthy.
- Epithelial tissue.
- Macrophages. In this case, the spermogram shows the presence of a large amount of mucus.
- White blood cells. Bonding with these cells indicates the development of the inflammatory process.
- Red blood cells. In this case, blood may appear in the sperm and its color may change. This pathological condition indicates injuries or diseases of the genitourinary system.
It is important to know that the severity of aggregation is estimated by the pluses. The more of them, the more pronounced is the inflammatory process that occurs in the organs of the urogenital system of a man.
Many people wonder what aggregation in a spermogram is one plus. This result suggests that at this stage the changes are insignificant and with the right therapy the condition quickly normalizes. It is worth noting that the degree of aggregation can be marked not only by pluses, but also by digital values. For example, if the analysis showed aggregation 1 in the spermogram, this will indicate a weak severity of bonding.
After the result of the study indicated a pathological condition, after 2 weeks it is recommended to retake the analysis in order to confirm the diagnosis.
Spermogram preparation
In order to get the most accurate result, you must adhere to a number of rules, which we will discuss below:
- About a week before the analysis, refuse fried, spicy, smoked food.
- Strong tea and coffee are not recommended.
- For 5-7 days, you should refrain from sexual intercourse.
- Do not overheat the genital area.
- Do not wear tight underwear.
- Do not go to baths and saunas.
- In about a week, give up alcohol and smoking.
- Food should be balanced and contain a sufficient amount of protein food.
- 7-10 days before the procedure, stop taking medications. Hormonal drugs are canceled a month before the spermogram.
- Limit physical activity.
- You should also be aware that many sperm die at temperature, so it makes no sense to take an analysis while you are ill, for example, SARS.
Drug treatment
The appointment of therapy is possible only after the main cause of the pathological condition has been identified. Based on this, the doctor prescribes the most effective treatment plan in each case.
The treatment of aggregation in a spermogram in most cases includes drug therapy. The following categories of drugs are prescribed:
- Antibacterial agents that are selected individually.
- Vitamin therapy, which plays an important role in the treatment of sperm aggregation, as it not only helps relieve the inflammatory process, but also improves sperm quality.
- Antispasmodic drugs.
- Hepatoprotectors that are prescribed to protect the liver from the negative effects of drugs.
- Supplements that have proven themselves in the treatment of aggregation.
3 weeks after the end of treatment, it is necessary to pass the analysis again.
Other treatments
In addition to drug therapy, aggregation in a spermogram can be cured with the help of physiotherapy and a special diet.
The first include the following procedures:
- Electrical stimulation.
- Prostate massage.
- Oxygen saturation in the pressure chamber, after which the hormonal background is normalized, there is an improvement in metabolic processes, and sperm indices are significantly improved.
- Laser Therapy
- Leech treatment, after which spermatogenesis and seminal fluid quality improves.
In addition to the above methods, dieting plays a large role in the treatment of aggregation in a spermogram. The following foods should be excluded from the diet:
- Spicy.
- Fried.
- Smoked.
- Semi-finished products.
- Spices.
The following foods are recommended:
- Seafood.
- Chocolate.
- Nuts.
- Cereals.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Red meat.
- Vegetable oils.
- Cereals.
- It is also necessary to observe the drinking regimen, drinking at least 2 liters of water per day.
Prevention
In order to minimize the risk of sperm aggregation, some rules must be followed.
- Compliance with the diet.
- Refusal to work in hazardous industries.
- Do not drink alcohol or smoke.
- Take more walks and exercise.
- Lead a full sexual life.
- Use protective equipment, since many diseases that provoke pathology are sexually transmitted.
- Spermogram delivery once a year.
- Scheduled visit to the doctor.
Conclusion
Since aggregation in a spermogram is not an independent disease, it is necessary to identify and exclude the pathology that led to this. Self-medication is not recommended, since many causes of aggregation are associated with inflammatory processes that are treated by certain groups of drugs individually. With timely access to a doctor and the implementation of all his recommendations, the prognosis for sperm aggregation in most cases is positive.