-- S --

Semen:

Also referred to as seminal fluid, this is comprised of the sperm and seminal secretions ejaculated during orgasm.

Semen Analysis:

The examination and analysis of a semen specimen for sperm count, motility, and morphology.

Sperm (Spermatozoa):

These are the male reproductive cells.

Sperm Buffer:

A process in which a fresh semen specimen is collected and placed in a cold-airtight container for shipping and immediate insemination use. The specimen can usually remain viable for up to thirty-six hours.

Sperm Count:

The number of sperm per milliliter of semen. A normal count is usually twenty million or more per milliliter. This is also known as "sperm density."

Sperm Morphology:

The analysis of the form and structure of sperm.

Sperm Motility:

The analysis of the percentage of moving (mobile or motile) sperm in a semen sample. Normally fifty percent or more are moving rapidly.

Sperm Washing:

A technique that separates the sperm from the seminal fluid.

Split Ejaculate:

A method of collecting a semen specimen so that the first half of the ejaculate is caught in one container and the rest in a second. The first half usually contains the majority of the sperm, and is then used to inseminate the woman.

Copyright 1996. The American Surrogacy Center, Inc.(TASC), Marietta, GA

The information contained in the website may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The American Surrogacy Center, Inc. If you would like to include this information on your website, you may link to the page directly on our site.

Guest commentary and representations by others do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the principals of TASC, and should furthermore be independently verified.