Includes both macroscopic and microscopic examination of the ejaculate:

Macroscopic analysis interpretations

Appearance

What is it?

Semen is characteristically turbid.

How is it described?

Ejaculate turbidity can be described as transparent, translucent, or opaque.

Abnormalities?

Large amount of debris or leukocytes may render the specimen opaque.

Significance

Sperm presence in the seminal fluid makes the semen appear turbid and is used as a very rough estimate of semen quality for animals, not for humans. In animal husbandry, semen transparency typically indicates poor sperm quantity, necessitating a repeat collection. In humans, the relationship between semen transparency and quality is ambiguous.

Recommendation

Semen appearance is of no clinical value in the analysis of human ejaculate.

Coagulation and liquefaction

What is it?

Immediately following ejaculation, semen normally coagulates into a gelatinous mass and then liquefies within 20 minutes when at room temperature, or within 15 to 20 minutes at 37°C.

How is it determined?

The time required for the gelatinous mass to liquefy.

Abnormalities?

The lack (absence) of coagulation may indicate ejaculatory duct obstruction or the congenital absence of the seminal vesicles (since coagulating proteins originate within the seminal vesicles). If the ejaculate has not liquefied after 120 minutes, the sample is abnormal. Prolonged liquefaction time or complete absence of liquefaction is most likely due to poor prostatic secretion (since the liquefying enzymes are derived from the prostate gland).

Significance

Normal semen may contain many small gel-like clots ‘ proteinaceous’ bodies) or corpuscles which do not liquefy. The significance of these clots is not known. The exact liquefaction time is of no diagnostic importance unless more than two hours elapse without a state change.

Recommendation

For a semen sample that will not liquefy either for semen analysis, artificial insemination or for use in assisted reproductive technology (ART), the ejaculate can be mixed either with an equal amount of semen extender, or forced in and out of a 3-milliliter syringe attached to a 18-gauge needle until the sample becomes more pliable. Specifically, treatment with liquefying agents such as 5% a-amylase, Alevair, or trypsin is possible. The addition of bromelin at lg per liter, plasmin 0.35-0.50 casein units per milliliter, or chymotrypsin 150 USP per milliliter may also assist in liquefying an ejaculate.