What is Sperm Function Analysis (SFA) or Semen Analysis / testing?
Sperm function analysis (SFA) or Semen(sperm) Analysis / testing is a diagnostic procedure designed to assess the quality and functionality of sperm. While a conventional semen analysis evaluates fundamental sperm parameters such as count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape), sperm function analysis delves deeper to ascertain the sperm’s capability to fertilize an egg.
Why is Sperm Function Analysis (SFA) important or significant?
Sperm Function Analysis (SFA) is very vital and is recommended for every male who wishes to plan for a healthy baby. It aids in identifying specific problems that may not be apparent through a standard semen analysis. For couples experiencing challenges in conceiving, understanding the functionality of sperm can yield critical insights into possible underlying issues.
What is Evaluated in Sperm Function Analysis (SFA)?
- Sperm Motility: This aspect measures the movement efficiency of sperm. Unlike standard assessments that focus on overall motility, sperm function analysis evaluates the effectiveness of sperm movement necessary for reaching and penetrating an egg.
- Sperm Morphology: This component assesses the shape and structure of sperm. Normal morphology is crucial for successful fertilization, and this analysis provides an in-depth evaluation of sperm shape.
- Sperm Viability: This measures the proportion of live sperm present in the sample. Non-viable or dead sperm cannot participate in the fertilization process.
- Sperm DNA Integrity: This evaluates the genetic quality of sperm. Elevated levels of DNA damage can negatively impact fertility and heighten the risk of miscarriage.
- Acrosome Reaction: This examines the sperm’s capacity to undergo the acrosome reaction, a critical process for egg penetration.
- Sperm-Egg Interaction: This assesses the interaction between sperm and egg. The analysis often employs laboratory techniques to simulate the fertilization process and observe sperm performance.
What is the Procedure for Conducting the Sperm Function Analysis (SFA) Test?
Sperm function analysis(SFA) is generally performed in a specialized IVF laboratory setting by an experienced embryologist or andrologist. The procedure typically includes:
- Counseling: Counseling with a set of instructions is to be given to the male at least one day before semen sample is collected, this can be done over the phone call or video call.
- Sample Collection: A semen sample is collected, usually obtained through masturbation. The sample is subsequently analyzed in the IVF laboratory.
- Laboratory Testing: The IVF laboratory conducts various tests on the sample to evaluate the aforementioned parameters.
Why should the Sperm function analysis(SFA) test be done in an IVF laboratory of an IVF centre rather than a general laboratory?
The general diagnostic laboratories which conduct your usual blood test does not have the access to experienced embryologist or andrologist which is very important for accurate results.
Sperm function analysis(SFA) test should be conducted under dedicated biosafety cabinet to rule out the external contaminations which can affect or hamper the Sperm function analysis(SFA) test & subsequently the IVF cycle results.
At Akruti IVF the Sperm function analysis(SFA) test is done by experienced embryologist & andrologist under dedicated biosafety cabinet as per WHO (World Health Organization) recommended parameters, Guidelines & standards.