Semen analysis, semen capacitation, and semen culture in assisted reproduction: what are they and what are they used for?

When a couple first meets with any of our assisted reproduction specialists for a fertility consultation, in addition to a lot of discussion (it’s a consultation where a lot of information is requested), several basic tests are ordered for both the woman and the man.

In this article, we’ll focus on three basic tests that may be ordered for men. We’re talking about the semen analysis, semen capacitation, and culture. What are they? Why do we order them for assisted reproduction treatment? What information do they provide? These are some of the questions we’ll answer right now.

What is a semen analysis?

A semen analysis is the first diagnostic test recommended for men before possible assisted reproduction treatment. This analysis allows us to assess sperm production in the testicles, their motility and morphology, and the functioning of the accessory glands.

In the article “How to Interpret Your Semen Analysis,” we tell you more about this test and how to interpret the results.

What is a semen analysis used for?

The purpose of this test is to detect the possible existence of a problem in the male that could ultimately cause infertility in the couple. This will also serve to guide the gynecologist when indicating the most appropriate assisted reproduction technique for each circumstance.

Since the parameters we measure in semen can vary and be affected by external or internal factors, such as fever, medication treatment like antibiotics, stress, etc., in most cases it is advisable to confirm the diagnosis with at least two analyses, and to strictly follow the laboratory’s instructions before each test.

How is a semen analysis performed?

To perform a semen analysis, the man must submit a semen sample obtained through masturbation to the laboratory after a period of sexual abstinence of between two and five days. Furthermore, it is very important that no more than 45 minutes pass between the collection of the sample and its delivery to the assisted reproduction specialists.

Performing a semen analysis involves analyzing the semen sample qualitatively and quantitatively. To do this, we evaluate macroscopic parameters such as volume, color, appearance, viscosity, and so on. We also determine microscopic aspects, such as the total number and concentration of sperm, the type of motility they exhibit, their morphology, and so on. Finally, relevant biochemical and immunological parameters are also evaluated.

Once the semen analysis is complete, and based on the results obtained, we follow the World Health Organization’s reference values for making a diagnosis, which must be assessed by a gynecologist as part of the evaluation of both partners.

What is seminal capacitation or MCR?

Semen capacitation is a process that sperm undergo naturally in human reproduction to fertilize the egg. In assisted reproduction, we have been able to develop laboratory techniques for semen capacitation, which means that any sample we use must be capacitated in this way.

Seminal capacitation, also called MCR (Motile Sperm Retrieval), is a complementary study to the semen analysis that will provide us with very important information: the number of sperm with the greatest capacity to fertilize the egg.

What is the seminal capacitation or MCR test for? The motile sperm count obtained in this test will guide the gynecologist in choosing the most appropriate assisted reproduction technique. Of course, this will always be determined by the couple’s overall clinical situation.

How is the seminal capacitation test (SVC) performed?

There are two different but equally effective techniques for performing seminal capacitation: “gradients” and “swim up.” The choice of one or the other usually depends on the initial characteristics of the samples available, but in both cases the goal is the same: to recover sperm with the best motility and greatest fertilization capacity.