Ovation Fertility

Andrology Services

Andrology at Ovation

Services for Male Factor Infertility

In 50% of infertility cases, male infertility is the primary cause. Ovation’s nationwide network of andrology labs helps diagnose and treat male factor infertility.

Our specialized labs are equipped with advanced technology and staffed by expert professionals who are dedicated to identifying underlying issues and developing effective treatment plans for men facing infertility challenges. Through our nationwide reach, Ovation ensures that individuals and couples have access to top-tier diagnostic and therapeutic services, paving the way for improved reproductive outcomes.

Andrology Lab Services

Semen Analysis

Semen analysis is the cornerstone of evaluating and understanding male infertility factors and often the first diagnostic test ordered to check the number, shape, and movement of sperm. Men can also get a semen analysis to understand their fertility baseline.

Semen analysis is a straightforward, noninvasive test conducted in Ovation’s laboratories. Patients can provide a sample in our special collection rooms or at home.

Interpreting Results

Results are detailed in a report to help develop a treatment plan. If abnormalities are detected, a repeat test is advised for confirmation. Depending on findings, further evaluation by a urologist or specialized treatment may be recommended by your fertility specialist at Ovation.

During semen analysis, the following factors are assessed:

Semen Analysis Factors

  • Normal semen has 20 million sperm per milliliter or more; fewer than 10 million indicate significant abnormality.

  • Typically, 1.5-5 milliliters is collected; lower volumes may suggest anatomical issues needing evaluation by a fertility urologist.

  • At least 50% should show progressive movement; another 50% should exhibit forward progression.

  • Normal samples have around 10 million motile sperm.

  • Normal shape criteria vary but generally require at least 15% using traditional assessments or 4% by strict criteria.

  • Normal fluid is moderately thick.

  • Over one million per milliliter may indicate infection or inflammation, treatable conditions.

IVF Sperm Centrifuge Lab

Sperm Preparation

Before procedures like ICSI, IUI, IVF, or sperm freezing, Ovation’s skilled andrologists perform sperm washing, using a centrifuge to isolate high-quality sperm and discarding those with poor motility. These selected sperm are suspended in a fluid resembling uterine and fallopian fluids, enhancing their ability to fertilize an egg.

Steps in Sperm Preparation:

  1. Filtration: Sperm is filtered to isolate those with optimal motility and morphology.

  2. Washing: Isolated sperm are cleansed and placed in a solution mimicking fallopian tube fluid.

  3. Concentration: Sperm concentration is adjusted to maximize fertilization potential in the culture medium.

Sperm Freezing

Sperm freezing (cryopreservation) allows men to preserve their fertility for future fatherhood or fertility treatments like IVF and IUI. Men may also freeze sperm before cancer treatment, deployment, or hormone therapy.

Cryopreservation Process

The process involves a semen analysis to assess sperm quality before freezing them in liquid nitrogen. Ovation’s andrology labs use advanced vitrification and cryopreservation equipment for freezing and storing sperm. When needed, thawed sperm can be used for conception, ensuring viability for years.

Vital staining of Sperm

Vital staining is conducted to distinguish live from non-motile sperm if a significant portion of sperm is immotile following a semen analysis. This test is crucial as it informs couples and physicians about sperm viability, aiding in treatment decisions for male infertility, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Process for Vital Staining

In vital staining, a drop of red stain is added to a sperm sample on a slide. Live sperm prevent the stain from entering, remaining white, while dead sperm absorb the stain, turning red. The andrologist then counts live and dead sperm, reporting the percentage of live sperm in the sample.

Let’s Work Together

Get in touch

Let Ovation be your trusted partner in andrology and IVF success. Contact us to learn more about Ovation's comprehensive andrology and IVF services.