Semen Analysis: How It is Done?

How semen analysis is done? It is very simple! Just produce a semen sample and ejaculate it into a clean sample cup. Well, you can do this in a private room or in a bathroom at the doctor’s clinic.

You may collect your semen sample at home during sexual intercourse, if you live close to the doctor’s clinic. Or you can collect during sex by using a condom. But be sure to wash the condom thoroughly before using it to remove powder or lubricant on it that might kill the sperm. However if you live far from the doctor’s clinic, you may collect your semen sample by masturbation and directly ejaculate into a clean sample cup.

Remember that the sample must be received at the laboratory within 1 hour. Keep the sample away from direct sunlight and never keep it cold or hot. Never refrigerate the semen sample.

Semen Analysis: How It Feels?

You might want to know how it feels to do the semen analysis! Well it does not cause any discomfort to produce a semen sample, I guess. But I think, some may feel embarrassed about the method used to collect the semen sample. You can always talk to your doctor some methods to collect semen samples, specially those people in which masturbation is against religious beliefs.

What Affects the Semen Analysis?

There are some factors which may intervene the test or the accuracy of the test.

1. Caffeine, alcohol, cocaine, marijuana and smoking tobacco.

2. Medications, such as cimetidine (Tagamet), male and female hormones (testosterone, estrogen), sulfasalazine, nitrofurantoin, and some chemotherapy medications.

3. Herbal medications, such as St. John's wort and high doses of echinacea.

4. Not ejaculating for about 1-2 weeks, as this affect the activeness of the semen and the semen volume.

5. Exposure to radiation, some chemicals such as certain pesticides or spermicides, and prolonged heat exposure. 

 

Source : http://aboutmypregnancy.blogspot.com/2010/09/what-affects-semen-analysis.html

Male Infertility

There are couples out there who have problem of not having children due to male fertility issues. Indeed, there was a study in the US that there are about 35 to 40 percent of cases can be attributed to problems in the man, 50 percent to problems in the woman, and the rest to unexplained causes and multiple factors involving both partners.

It is then recommended that you must see your doctor if you have had unprotected sex for more than a year, even for six months if you are already 35 years old. I will briefly discuss about male infertility issues on future posts. Some of these male infertility problems or issues include the following:

1. Blocked tubes
2. Varicocele
3. Irregular sperm
4. Sperm allergy
5. Unexplained fertility problems
6. Combination fertility problems

Source : http://aboutmypregnancy.blogspot.com/2010/09/male-infertility.html

Varicocele: Male Infertility Problem

Varicocele is defined as the dilatation of the veins in the scrotum. It is like the varicose veins, however the vein is enlarged which increases the temperature in the testes to the point of inhibiting sperm production. There is also no possible symptom but the problem can be detected through semen analysis and a physical exam. Surgery to repair the varicocele is the possible solution to this male infertility problem. And there was a study that shows about 30 to 35 percent of men impregnate their partner within a year of surgery 

 

Source : http://aboutmypregnancy.blogspot.com/2010/10/varicocele-male-infertility-problem.html

Irregular Sperm

It was found out that there is a very low probability that you will fertilize your partner’s egg on its own if you have a little to no sperm, poor sperm motility, or irregular shaped sperms.

This male infertility problem can be detected through semen analysis. There is no symptom if you have this kind of condition and there are possible solutions to have children. Fertility drugs, artificial insemination with donor sperm or with your own if your count, shape, and motility are not too abnormal or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are some of these solutions. 

Source : http://aboutmypregnancy.blogspot.com/2010/10/irregular-sperm.html

Sperm Allergy

Did you know that you can actually develop antibodies that will kill your own sperm? This can be experienced most commonly after a vasectomy, testicular torsion, infection, or trauma.

Do not worry for this is a solution with your sperm allergy! The possible solution is artificial insemination or assisted reproductive technologies (ART). About 20 to 40 percent of men impregnate their partner with this treatment. Immunosuppressive drugs such as cortisone and prednisone are sometimes used, but many doctors don't recommend them. Just talk to your doctor and get the best advice. 

Source : http://aboutmypregnancy.blogspot.com/2010/10/sperm-allergy.html

Unexplained Fertility Problems

There are times that your doctor cannot be sure or cannot pinpoint the cause of your trouble to have a baby. So he may diagnose you with an “unexplained fertility problem”. Although there are some health experts think that environmental toxins may be the contributing factors, but have confirmed no direct links between fertility and these possible problems.

The possible solution to conceive is to take fertility drugs and must undergo artificial insemination or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Take note that there are about 7 to 17 percent of couples with unexplained fertility problems conceive with fertility drugs and artificial insemination. About 20 percent conceive with in vitro fertilization. 

Source : http://aboutmypregnancy.blogspot.com/2010/10/unexplained-fertility-problems.html

Combination of Fertility Problems

When both the man and the woman have fertility problems or when one partner has multiple fertility problems, then the couple is said to have “combination” fertility problems.

You can have possible symptoms but it varies depending on causes. Treatments vary depending on causes too. Likewise, success rate varies depending on causes. 

Source : http://aboutmypregnancy.blogspot.com/2010/10/combination-of-fertility-problems.html

Pap Smear Test

What is Pap smear or Pap test? This test is used to screen women for cervical cancer. The test is reliable for detecting early abnormal cell changes that would cause cancer of the cervix. This test is recommended for women between the ages of 18 to 65.

How it is done? It is done in your doctor’s clinic by acquiring a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix. Your doctor will then spread the sample on a slide and sent to a lab for examination under a microscope.

Why Pap Smear or Pap Test is Done?

The main reason why a pap test or pap smear is done is to screen for cancerous and precancerous cells of the cervix.

There is actually a recommendation to do the test from the onset of sexual intercourse to age 65. Pap test should be done every 1 to 3 years for women without risk factors for cervical cancer. For women who have had hysterectomy because of precancerous or cancerous changes in the cervix, a continuous regular pap smear must be observed. But for women who have had hysterectomy with the cervix removed for non-cancerous or benign reasons do not need to continue Pap test. While women who have had weakened immune system may need to test more often than once a year.

How to Prepare Pap Smear Test

Always remember not to use douche, tampons or any vaginal medications for at least 24 hours before doing a Pap test. Never make sexual intercourse too.

It is also recommended to do the test when you are not having your monthly period because the blood cells may interfere the Pap smear result. And for your comfort and so with your doctor, empty your bladder just before the test. 

Source : http://aboutmypregnancy.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-to-prepare-pap-smear-test.html

Pap Test: How it is Done?

Here’s a step-by-step procedure to do the Pap test:

1. First is to take off your clothes below your waist and lie down on your back on a table with your feet raised, which is supported b stirrups.

2. Your doctor will insert a speculum, an instrument with curved blades, into your vagina. The speculum will spread the vaginal walls.

3. Your doctor will insert a cotton swab, with a tiny brush and a small wooden spatula, with a larger brush called a cervix brush, or with an extended tip spatula to scrape away several samples of cells from the cervix.

4. Your doctor will smear the collected cells on a slide, preserved, and ten sent to the laboratory for examination. 

Source : http://aboutmypregnancy.blogspot.com/2010/11/pap-test-how-it-is-done.html

Epithelial Cell Abnormalities

This is one of the statements to indicate if the cells collected were normal or abnormal.

A. Squamous Cell Abnormalities
A.1 Atypical squamous cells (ASC). In this category, there are minor cell changes from unknown causes. It is further divided into two types:
A.1.1 ASC-US: ASC of undetermined significance
A.1.2 ASC-H: ASC that cannot exclude high- grade squamous intraephithelial lesion(HSIL).

A.2 Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL). In this category, there are cells that show definite minor changes but are unlikely to progress to cancer. It includes the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, mild dysplasia, and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 1).

A.3 High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). In this category, there are cell changes that have a higher likelihood of progressing to cancer. It includes the presence of moderate to severe dysplasia, carcinoma in situ (CIS), CIN 2 and CIN 3, or changes suspicious for invasive cancer.

A.4 Squamous cell invasive cancer.


B. Glandular Cell Abnormalities
B.1 Atypical glandular cells (ACG) include:
B.1.1 Endocervical (from cervical canal) cells.
B.1.2Endometrial cells. These cells are normally found in the uterus. Their presence in the cervix might occur in menstruating women but would be abnormal in postmenopausal women who are not on hormonal replacement therapy.

B.2 Glandular cells.
B.2.1 Atypical glandular cells (neoplastic changes)
B.2.2 Endocervical cells
B.2.3 Glandular cells

B.3 Endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS)

B.4 Adenocarcinoma
B.4.1 Endocervical
B.4.2 Endometrial
B.4.3 Extrauterine
B.4.4 Other, not specified

Source : http://aboutmypregnancy.blogspot.com/2010/11/epithelial-cell-abnormalities.html

Motherboard Driver Socket AM2 AMD A11G V 1.0

VGA Driver
Driver Name NVIDIA Windows C51G Drivers
Version V81.97
Release Date 2005/12/21
Update Description CD Driver V2.9NI
Special Note
File Size 64.4MB
Support O.S Windows 2000 ; Windows XP

Sound Driver
Driver Name RealTek AC'97 Codec Sound driver
Version V3.79(5950)
Release Date 2005/11/11
Update Description CD Drvier V2_9NI
Special Note
File Size 32.2MB
Support O.S Windows Me ; Windows 2000 ; Windows XP ; Windows 9X series

IDE Driver
Driver Name NVIDIA Windows C51G Drivers
Version V8.23
Release Date 2006/02/20
Update Description CD Driver V2.9NI
Special Note
File Size 18.9MB
Support O.S Windows 2000 ; Windows XP

Bios for Motherboard Socket AM2 AMD A11G V 1.0

BIOS Name BIOS for A11G V1.0
Version A11G526
Release Date 2008/06/13
Update Description File name:A11G526.zip
Checksum:4F00h
Release note:Update AGESA 2.08.15

File name:A11G914.rar
Checksum:9800h
Release note:
1. Update to Agesa 2.08.09.
2. Supporting NEW AM2 AMD CPU Sempron 1100 & 1150.
3. Patch system will auto wakeup when plug USB KB or MS and S5 shutdown under Win2k OS.

File name:A11GR10A.zip
Checksum: 0300H
Release note: 1. Update VBIOS.

File name:A11GR10.bin
Checksum: 2C00H
Release note: first release
Special Note The download includes both the latest BIOS and a Flash Utility.
File Size 806KB

Bios for Socket AM2+ A19G V 1.0

BIOS Name BIOS for A19G V1.0
Version A19G8823S
Release Date 2008/08/29
Update Description File Name:A19G8823S.zip
checksum:8E0Dh
release note: First Release
Special Note The download includes both the latest BIOS and a Flash Utility.
How to flash utility
File Size 835KB
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Driver Motherboard Socket AM2+ A17G V 1.0

Chipset Driver
Driver Name NVIDIA Windows Chipset Drivers (only support MCP68)
Version 14.13
Release Date 2007/06/14
Update Description only support MCP68
Special Note
File Size 94.6MB
Support O.S Windows 2000 ; Windows XP
Download Taiwan USA Europe China

Driver Name NVIDIA Windows Chipset Drivers (only support MCP68)
Version 14.13
Release Date 2007/06/14
Update Description only support MCP68
Special Note
File Size 98.1MB
Support O.S Win XP 64bit Edition
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Driver Name NVIDIA Windows Chipset Drivers (only support MCP68)
Version 14.12
Release Date 2007/08/15
Update Description only support MCP68
Special Note
File Size 76.4MB
Support O.S windows Vista 32bit
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Driver Name NVIDIA Windows Chipset Drivers (only support MCP68)
Version 14.12
Release Date 2007/08/15
Update Description only support MCP68
Special Note
File Size 89.7MB
Support O.S windows Vista 64bit
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Sound Driver
Driver Name Realtek High Definition Audio Driver
Version 1.92 (5618)
Release Date 2008/05/07
Update Description
Special Note
File Size 42.1MB
Support O.S Windows 2000 ; Windows XP ; Win XP 64bit Edition ; Windows Server 2003 ; Windows Server 2003 x64 ; windows Vista 32bit ; windows Vista 64bit
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RAID Driver
Driver Name NVIDIA RAID Floppy Image Drivers
Version 10.x
Release Date 2007/06/14
Update Description only support MCP68
*Version v10.1.0.12 for XP/2K Release:06/14/2007
*Version v10.1.0.11 for 64bit Release:06/14/2007
*Version v10.1.0.9 for Vista32 Release:06/14/2007
*Version v10.1.0.9 for Vista64 Release:08/15/2007
Special Note
File Size 1.92MB
Support O.S Windows 2000 ; Windows XP ; Win XP 64bit Edition ; windows Vista 32bit ; windows Vista 64bit
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Bios for Motherboard Socket AM2+ A17G V 1.0

BIOS Name BIOS for A17G V1.0
Version A17G617
Release Date 2008/06/26
Update Description File Name:A17G617.zip
checksum:E515h
release note:
1.Update NVMM Rom
2.Update NV Raid Rom

File Name:A17G411.zip
checksum:E049h
release note:First Release
Special Note The download includes both the latest BIOS and a Flash Utility.
How to flash utility
File Size 740KB
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