Why sperm count is as unreliable as the weather?

Why sperm count is as unreliable as the weather?

It is a well-known fact that predicting weather 100% accurately is not possible because of the multiple parameters associated with it. I would say the same thing with one of the major milestones of the infertility treatment, the sperm count test!

I open the sealed envelope from the bundle waiting for my attention. The first one is the semen test report of one of my patients. The couple is undergoing IVF cycle and this was required to determine the quality and quantity of the sperms. To my dismay, the count was incredibly low this time. This was the third test consecutively and the results were absolutely devastating.

It is one of the commonest experiences of us as infertility experts. Semen testing reports always leave us extremely puzzled. The degree of variation that is demonstrated by sperm count reports can be compared only with the share market index that goes up and down drastically with no apparent logic or rationale!

The variation is unbelievable

   Cryopreservation of Gametes

• Spermatozoa

It is a fact that cryopreservation of the male gametes is relatively easy and simple as compared to the female counterpart. The reason might be because of the huge quantity of sperms found in the semen. Even if the cryopreservation techniques are not that effective, you will still be left with good number of sperms.

There are some factors plays a major role in the effectiveness and success of cryopreservation technique of sperms.
• Semen quality – If you preserve the semen sample taken through normozoospermic method, then the survival is much higher, typically 25% as compared to a sample taken by oligoozoospermic method where the survival is 12%.

• Preparation of the semen – It is important to prepare the semen properly if the survival rate is required to be high. The method of semen washing also determines the survival rates. Typically normozoospermic semen samples survive 25% if they are taken just by normal preparation method. If the semen is taken by swim-up technique, then the survival rate is 36%. There is another method known as density gradient configuration that improves the survival rates significantly. Research indicates that there is an increase from 12% to 27% with swim-up technique and 23% with centrifugal technique.

Oocyte

It is certainly very difficult to cryopreserve Oocyte as compared to sperm. The eggs are usually very delicate and there is damage to the outer shell very easily irrespective of the techniques we use to preserve them. The latest cryopreservation protocols, however, have become very helpful in preserving the Oocyte in a better way. Although the survival rate for Oocyte is as high as 60%, but the rate of live births using the survived Oocyte is still much lower as compared to the fresh ones....

Acne Related To Hormones

                      Acne Related To Hormones

All cases of acne have their roots in hormone production, but some acne is a symptom of an underlying hormonal condition that can cause far more than facial blemishes. “Acne is caused by an excess of oil production, which in turn is caused by the action of testosterone,” says Dr Rita Bakshi, Chairperson of International Fertility Centre.

The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, and each of these days is different hormonally. “In the first half of a woman’s menstrual cycle, the predominant hormone is estrogen; in the second half, the main hormone is progesterone,” explains Dr Rita Bakshi, Senior Gynaecologist and Infertility Specialist. Then levels of both hormones fall to their lowest levels of the month as bleeding approaches.  

Meanwhile, the male hormone testosterone (made in smaller amounts by women) stays at a constant level all month. This means that before and during menstruation, testosterone is relatively higher than the female hormones.  These behind-the-scenes hormonal shifts do all sorts of things to a woman’s skin. For one, the mid-cycle progesterone rise stimulates the production of sebum. Sebum is a thick, oily substance that acts as a natural skin lubricant. And as levels of progesterone increase, skin swells and pores are compressed shut. As a result, pores never looked so minimized. But this tourniquet effect also causes sebum to build up beneath the skin’s surface. In addition, higher testosterone levels around menstruation further activate the sebaceous glands to make even more sebum.  

Sebum yields different effects in different women. For some, it produces a healthy glow; for others, it creates a chronic oil slick. The oil provides food for the bacterium P. acnes. This bacterium causes increased breakouts and inflammation around the time of women's periods.  

Unfortunately, you can’t change the relationship between acne and hormones. But there are some things you can do to make those breakouts less severe.