During the fertility study period, couples are increasingly asked to pass certain tests to a man. Only one test can tell whether a representative of the stronger sex has the ability to conceive. For the diagnosis of the female body requires more than any various activities. That is why doctors prefer to start with her partner. One commonly recommended study is a Kruger spermogram with morphology. What it is will be described below. You will learn about the features of the analysis. You can also find out the basic norms and deviations of indicators.
When is research necessary?
Analysis of spermogram according to Kruger is far from being carried out in all medical institutions. Most laboratories do not have sufficient equipment for such a diagnosis. That is why, if you are assigned such a procedure with such a thorough examination of the ejaculate, then you need to clarify about the possibility of carrying it out in your chosen clinic.
In what situations does a man need to be tested? Diagnosis is always recommended before the artificial insemination procedure. Such a study will allow the doctor to be prepared for some surprises. Also, manipulation is prescribed when a man wants to become a sperm donor. With prolonged infertility, each representative of the stronger sex should undergo a diagnosis.
Kruger spermogram: how to prepare?
There is nothing special in preparation for this study. You do not have to perform any supernatural tricks. It is enough to follow the recommended rules. The preparation period is from 5 days or more. It was at this time that a man was forbidden to visit saunas, to be under a scorching sun for a long time and to drink alcohol. All of these factors can adversely affect sperm and provoke a false diagnosis. Doctors also advise abolishing all medications, with the exception of vital ones. If you are forced to take some kind of remedy, you must definitely inform the doctors about it.
Kruger spermogram involves abstinence from sexual intercourse for 3-5 days. By shortening this interval, insufficient sperm can be obtained, while longer abstinence leads to the death of many sperm.
How is the study conducted?
Kruger spermogram, like a conventional ejaculate test, involves obtaining material by masturbation. The process is carried out strictly within the walls of the laboratory. Before this, it is necessary to carry out hygiene procedures and wash your hands thoroughly. The ejaculate is collected in a sterile container. To conduct this type of diagnosis, it is very important not to lose part of the sperm. If this happened, then for the accuracy of the analysis, it is worth repeating the manipulation after 5 days.
Decryption of research data
How is Kruger spermogram interpreted correctly? The interpretation of the data is made exclusively in the doctor’s office. Of the figures presented, you will not be able to understand anything. That is why you should not wander around the Internet and read abstruse books. Contact a specialist to help you decrypt data correctly. The same doctor, if necessary, can give you some recommendations for treatment, if any.
Decryption of the analysis can be made within a few hours after the diagnosis. The ejaculate is examined immediately, it is not possible to postpone this analysis. Therefore, you can get your result in just one hour. Consider the main parameters that the Kruger spermogram contains.
Volume and color of the material
Experts say that the normal amount of ejaculate is in the range of 3 to 5 milliliters. If the fluid is less than 2 ml, then we can talk about the failure of the male gonads. This pathology is called microspermia. With an ejaculate volume of more than 6 ml, there is a suspicion of an inflammatory process in the male reproductive system.
The color of the test material can be from white to some shades of gray. The presence of pinkish or red blotches indicates an inflammatory process or a recent injury. A yellow tinge of ejaculate indicates a deviation in the functioning of the liver. However, this characteristic can also occur during the course intake of vitamins.
Liquefaction time and material acidity
If you are assigned a fertility diagnosis and the Kruger method is proposed, the spermogram should always contain data on the acidity and liquefaction time of the ejaculate. Normally, a viscous material acquires a liquid consistency in about 40 minutes. In some clinics, this process can be carried out for an hour. If an increase in the indicated period of time occurs, then this is a sign of a long and sluggish inflammatory process (prostatitis, vesiculitis, etc.).
The acidity of male sperm should be at a level of 7.2-2.8 pH. If there is a deviation from these positions, then there is a suspicion of infection. In such an environment, male gametes simply cannot properly fulfill their function.
Density and total number of male gametes
When a spermogram is taken, the Kruger test always takes into account the total sperm count. It is calculated by detecting cell density. To do this, under the microscope, the laboratory assistant calculates how many gametes are in 1 milliliter of material. This amount should be 20-120 million. A decrease in this level is called oligozoospermia. If it is an excess, then this is polysozoospermia. Both of these diagnoses require additional studies of male health and subsequent treatment.
The total number of sperm should be from 40 to 600 million. The range spread is quite large. Deviation in one direction or another occurs for the above reasons.
Cell motility
The study must take into account the viability of sperm. For this, the laboratory assistant notes the way they are moved. Gametes can move rectilinearly or along a different trajectory. They are active or inactive. Active rectilinear sperm should be at least 50 percent of the total mass. Deviation from this range is called asthenozoospermia.
It is worth noting that a spermogram with strict Kruger morphology provides for the diagnosis of only active cells with a rectilinear or oscillatory movement.
Morphology
At this point in the study, the number of normal sperm that are capable of fertilization is studied. In Russia, the norms of this characteristic are set from 40 to 60 percent. If normal sperm is less than 20%, then we are talking about teratozoospermia. It is worth noting that often the pathology is temporary. That is why it is so important to retake a few weeks after the first study to confirm the diagnosis.
If Kruger morphology determined that a man has more than 40 percent of sperm that can fertilize an egg, then he is considered healthy. Pregnancy from such a partner can occur naturally without additional manipulations. When a decrease in this level is found out, the couple may need the help of reproductologists.
Additional data
In 1987, Professor Kruger proposed that sperm cells that are able to penetrate the cervical canal within 8 hours after ejaculation be considered normal. To study this item, a sperm is taken and examined under a microscope. In addition to the ability to move correctly, the cell must have an ideal structure. Such sperm have oval heads that contain a nucleus that carries genetic information. Next is the body of the gamete. It is thin and always compared with the size of the rounded part. Normally, the body of the sperm is approximately 1.5 parts from its head. The tail is a very important detail. It is with the help of it that the movement of the male gamete occurs. The tail of the sperm is even along its entire length; it does not twist in a spiral. Doctors allow a slight narrowing of this part in the middle.
Kruger says that if the number of normal gametes in a man is higher than 4 percent, then there is a greater likelihood of natural fertilization. However, modern data have slightly different numbers. If there is a deviation from the norm and healthy cells make up only 1%, a couple can turn for help to modern methods of reproductive science. In this case, a selection called ICSI is performed. During the manipulation, laboratory assistants seize good sperm and fertilize them. The probability of successful IVF in this case increases several times.
Instead of a conclusion
You learned a lot about the male examination and were able to find out what the norm is in this regard. Kruger spermogram is the only diagnosis that can accurately determine the health status of a man. Other studies are considered additional. The average cost of the described procedure is from 5 to 10 thousand rubles.
If you need to know the status of your reproductive system, then go for a Kruger study. Only after deciphering the data obtained, the doctor can speak with great accuracy about the norm or deviation. All points that are taken into account in such a study are presented to your attention in the article. Health to you and good results!