A semen analysis looks at sperm count as well as how they are shaped and how they move.
This is typically the first test ordered because it's non-evasive compared to some tests for women.
A sample is collected either in a lab or at home and then dropped off at a lab within an hour.
Lubricants should not be used because they can affect the results.
Your doctor may want two samples to ensure the results are accurate and may have instructions on abstaining from sex for a few days prior to collection.
Some supplements and drugs can affect sperm negatively,
Including testosterone,
Steroids,
Marijuana,
And opiates.
Depending on the results,
A doctor might want additional tests to determine the sperm's ability to swim to the egg and penetrate and fuse with it.
Issues with male fertility can play a part in as many as half of all infertility cases,
And male infertility is often caused by low sperm production.
This can be a touchy subject because society puts a lot of pressure on strong sperm-determining masculinity.
That's outdated and ridiculous thinking.
Their doctor may suggest more exercise and sleep,
Quitting cigarettes,
Alcohol,
And drugs,
Avoiding certain medications,
Or adding supplements like ashwagandha,
Vitamin D,
Folate,
Zinc,
And omega-3.
More tests may be needed,
Including hormone testing,
Scrotal ultrasound,
Testicular biopsy,
Trans-rectal ultrasound,
And genetic tests.
If this is your path,
Try not to think of it as an obstacle,
But as vital information to help get healthy.
Instead of dwelling on any potential negative results,
Focus on what you have control of.
There are several yoga postures that can help men boost sperm vitality.
Bridge pose boosts the blood circulation to the pelvic floor.
Men,
Lie on your back,
Bend your knees,
And bring your heels near your hips.
Raise your pelvis while keeping your shoulders on the ground.
Keep breathing as you hold the pose for as long as you comfortably can.
Another cycle of breathing before you release back down to the ground.
Let's repeat this pose three more times.
Raise your pelvis to the ceiling while keeping your shoulders on the ground.
Take a deep inhale.
As you release the exhale,
Slowly lower your body back to the ground.
Raise your pelvis back up.
Breathe naturally as you hold this pose.
Release and relax down to the ground with an exhale.
One more time,
Pelvis up to the ceiling.
Stretch,
Stretch,
Stretch your pelvis up to the ceiling and then release and relax with a slow,
Deep exhale.
The next pose to try is the bow.
Lie on your belly.
Bend your knees and raise your feet.
Reach back and grab your ankles as you lift your hips and chest from the floor.
Hold this pose for as long as you're comfortable.
And then relax your body back to the ground.
Repeat this pose two more times.
Reach back to grab your ankles.
Lift your hips and chest from the floor.
Feel that stretch.
And release and relax.
One more time on the inhale,
Stretch back,
Grabbing your ankles,
Lifting your chest and hips from the floor.
Breathe deep into this pose.
And then release and relax back down to the ground.
Finally try Agnus Arcrea.
Stand with your feet hips width apart.
Bend down and put your hands on your knees.
Exhale completely.
And then suck your stomach in.
All the way in,
Hold your breath for a few seconds without strain.
Release your stomach when you're ready to take your first breath in.
Breathe naturally.
And then when you're ready,
Exhale again completely,
Suck your stomach in.
Hold your breath.
And when you need to breathe back in,
Release your stomach and breathe naturally.
One more time.
Exhale completely.
Exhale all the air out of your lungs.
Suck your stomach in and hold.
When you're ready to take your first breath in,
Release your stomach,
Inhale and then breathe naturally.
Repeat this set of poses daily.
Meditation will also help men relax throughout the process of sperm testing.
Get comfortable.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
Gently close your right nostril with your finger.
Breathe in through your left nostril for a chosen count.
A comfortable count may be five,
But do what feels right for you.
Mentally count as you slowly inhale through your left nostril.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four,
Five.
Close both nostrils and hold your breath.
Three,
Four,
Five.
Open your right nostril and exhale for one,
Two,
Three,
Four,
Five.
Now inhale through your right nostril.
Two,
Three,
Four,
Five.
Close your nose again and hold your breath.
Two,
Three,
Four,
Five.
Finally exhale through your left nostril.
Two,
Three,
Four,
Five.
That's one round of alternate nostril breathing.
Practice alternate nostril breathing at your own pace for five more rounds.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four,
Five.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four,
Five.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four,
Five.
After practicing alternate nostril breathing,
Release control and breathe naturally.
Just watch your breath go in and out.
In and out naturally.
Don't force it.
Watch your breath for two minutes.
Enjoy any moments of silence between breaths.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four,
Five.
If your mind has wandered,
Don't judge yourself.
Just go back to focusing on your breathing.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four,
Five.
Now,
Fully relaxed,
Affirm out loud in a powerful speaking voice,
I am healthy.
A little softer now.
I am healthy.
Now whisper,
I am healthy.
One more time mentally with great conviction,
I am healthy.
Sit in this knowing for another minute.
One,
Two,
Three,
Four,
Five.
Close this meditation with a few more deep breaths and a prayer of gratitude.
I am thankful for my health.
