When a man intends to undergo a semen analysis, he should practice sexual abstinence or refrain from ejaculating in any way.
One of the fertility tests for men is semen analysis. Semen analysis is an examination conducted to assess the condition of sperm, which determines whether a man is fertile or not.
This examination is performed by analyzing seminal fluid containing sperm. This seminal fluid will be expelled through masturbation. Now, what fathers need to know is that there are several requirements to be fulfilled before undergoing semen analysis, one of which is abstinence. So, how long should the duration of abstinence be before semen analysis?
Duration of Abstinence Before Semen Analysis
As mentioned above, one of the requirements before undergoing semen analysis is abstinence.
At Bocah Indonesia, before fathers undergo semen analysis, it is recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse or ejaculation for 48-96 hours before the semen analysis.
Tanya Ferly tentang Promil?
According to Dr. Gito Wasian, Sp.And, an andrology specialist at Bocah Indonesia, the reason for the required duration of abstinence is because sperm maturation in the epididymis requires about 3 days.
“This sperm is made over about 3 months, then the sperm will be stored in the epididymis or its warehouse. From the testes, this sperm cannot move, it can only move in the epididymis when it matures. Maturation in the epididymis takes about 3 days. So, why 2-3 days of abstinence? Because maturation in the epididymis takes 3 days so that the sperm that comes out is mature,” said Dr. Gito.
Additionally, Dr. Gito also added that the sperm production process takes about 3 months. Thus, if any factors occur within that period, it can affect sperm condition.
“So, the production process (of sperm) takes about 3 months. Any factors that occur in the last 3 months will affect,” he added.
Results of Semen Analysis
The semen analysis procedure will be performed by analyzing a previously collected semen sample. From the test results, the doctor will read the quantity, motility, morphology, and volume of sperm contained in the semen.
According to Dr. Tiara Kirana, Sp.And, an andrology specialist at Bocah Indonesia, there are many aspects to be considered from the results of semen analysis.
“Basically, there are so many things we need to analyze from the results, such as the quantity, then how is the motility, fast or stationary, many are dead or not. Then the shape, what is the volume like. There are leukocytes (white blood cells) or not, maybe there’s an infection or not,” said Dr. Tiara.
However, many men are afraid or worried about undergoing semen analysis. Yet, this is one of the initial examinations before undergoing a fertility program. Through semen analysis, fathers can also determine the condition of their sperm and receive appropriate treatment promptly.
So, let’s get a semen analysis at the nearest fertility clinic!
This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Chitra Fatimah.
Source:
Sariningsih, S.R., et al. (1992). Gambaran beberapa parameter utama pada analisis semen dengan masa abstinensi 3, 5, dan 7 hari. : Fakultas Matematika dan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam, Universitas Indonesia, 1992.
Cooper, T.G., et al. (2010). World Health Organization reference values for human semen characteristics. Human Reproduction Update, Volume 16, Issue 3, May-June 2010, Pages 231–245.
World Health Organization.(2010). WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of humansemen, fifth edition.
