For men who are assessing a state of infertility, or who want to examine the quality of the semen in detail, AI Semen Analysis is a diagnostic instrument that brings the technology of artificial intelligence in to help analyse the sperm in details that assessment by the eye may overlook.
This article explains how examination of the semen with AI works, in what respects it differs from the traditional examination, and how it can support the planning of care for a state of reduced sperm quality.
What is AI Semen Analysis?
AI-Assisted Semen Analysis is the bringing in of the technology of artificial intelligence to help analyse the quality of the semen at an in-depth level, by assessing the main variables connected with the potential for fertilisation, namely the density of the sperm, the rate and the pattern of movement (Kinematics), as well as the details of the abnormal shape (Dysmorphology) at the micrometre level.
Why are these details important?
The process of producing sperm (Spermatogenesis) occurs inside the sperm-producing tubules of the testicles, and requires an environment at the cell level that is in balance.
If there is a state of stress from free radicals (Oxidation Stress), a state of varicose veins at the testicle (Varicocele), or chronic inflammation in the pelvic floor, the quality of the sperm produced may change, both in quantity, in movement, and in shape.
Therefore, the ability to detect these abnormalities in detail has a direct bearing on assessing the cause lying behind, and helps the doctor plan the care more on target.
How does AI Semen Analysis differ from the traditional examination of semen?
The traditional examination of semen relies mainly on analysis through the eye of the examiner, and so may have limitations in assessing abnormality of shape, or patterns of movement of high detail.
AI-Assisted Semen Analysis helps increase the precision and gives information in more detail than analysis with the naked eye, particularly in detecting Dysmorphology at the micrometre level and in measuring Kinematics quantitatively.
When should examination of the semen with AI be considered?
Examination of the semen with AI may be suited to those who:
- Have been trying to have a child for more than 1 year without contraception but have not yet succeeded
- Have abnormal symptoms in the area of the testicles, such as a dragging or heavy pain, or feeling swollen blood vessels
- Have a state of reduced sexual capacity together with the wish to have a child
- Have behavioural risk factors or a metabolic syndrome that may have a bearing on the quality of the sperm
That said, the suitability of the examination should be considered together with the doctor's assessment.
The role of AI in supporting the assessment, not replacing the doctor
Although AI gives quantitative detail that is finer and more consistent than analysis with the naked eye, the result of the examination must still be interpreted by a doctor, within the context of the history, the symptoms, and the other examination results together.
The assessment may include physical examination of the area of the testicles and the muscles of the pelvic floor, as well as Scrotal Color Doppler ultrasound in order to assess the circulation of blood and the state of varicose veins of the testicle (Varicocele).
The PYONG MEN approach in assessing the quality of the sperm
At PYONG MEN, assessing a state of reduced sperm quality is a process led by an expert physician, using AI-Assisted Semen Analysis together with Scrotal Color Doppler Ultrasonography and systematic clinical assessment.
This approach helps make the overall picture of the causes clearer, before an approach to restorative care specific to the individual is considered.
In brief
- AI Semen Analysis is examination and analysis of the semen with artificial intelligence, covering the density, the movement, and the shape of the sperm
- It gives precision and detail at the micrometre level, which is higher than analysis with the naked eye
- It suits the assessment of infertility on the male side, as well as those who have abnormal symptoms of the testicles or have been trying to have a child for more than 1 year
- The AI examination result is used to support the doctor's diagnosis, not to replace clinical assessment
- At PYONG MEN it is used together with Scrotal Doppler examination and integrated clinical assessment
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. How does AI Semen Analysis differ from the general examination of semen? AI can analyse the density, the rate of movement, and the shape of the sperm at the micrometre level, which gives higher detail than examination with the naked eye, particularly in detecting Dysmorphology.
2. Is examination of the semen with AI painful? Collecting the semen sample uses the standard method; there is no puncture or insertion of any device, so it does not give rise to pain.
3. Does the AI semen examination result say at once whether there is infertility? The examination result helps assess the quality of the sperm in the areas of quantity, movement, and shape, but diagnosing a state of infertility must be considered together with the history, the physical examination, and the information about the partner.
4. If abnormality is found in the examination result, what approach follows? The doctor will assess the possible causes, such as Varicocele, a state of inflammation, or metabolic factors, and after that will consider an approach to restorative care suitable specifically for the individual.
5. How must one prepare before the examination? In general it is recommended to abstain from ejaculation for about 2-5 days before the examination, and to avoid factors that may affect the quality temporarily, such as alcohol or high heat. That said, the medical team will explain the clear details before the appointment.