Sperm Culture

General Description

A sperm culture, or semen culture, is a laboratory test that detects and identifies microorganisms present in semen, such as bacteria or fungi, thereby confirming the existence of an infection in the reproductive tract and determining the causative pathogen.

When is it indicated?

A semen culture is generally indicated when the patient presents symptoms consistent with an infection in the reproductive tract:

• Inflammation and pain in the genital area.
• Painful ejaculation.
• Seminal fluid with an abnormal color or odor.
• Presence of blood in the semen.
• Pain or burning sensation during urination.
• Abnormal results in a semen analysis.

Additionally, a sperm culture may be indicated in cases of fertility problems, as infections in the reproductive system can affect semen quality or cause obstruction of the seminal ducts.

How is it performed?

The semen sample is obtained through masturbation. The patient may collect the sample at home or at the medical center. In both cases, the sample is collected in a sterile container provided by the clinic or purchased at a pharmacy.

Once in the laboratory, the sample is placed in a sterile container (a Petri dish), where it is incubated for 24 to 72 hours in a nutrient medium containing substances that promote the growth of existing microorganisms. After the incubation period, the culture is examined under a microscope to confirm or rule out the presence of pathogens.

If microbial growth is observed, the sperm culture is considered positive, and the next step is to identify the specific microorganism. One of the identification tests is Gram staining, a method that classifies bacteria based on their shape and the color they take on when a special dye is applied. Additionally, if a sperm culture is positive, an antibiotic susceptibility test (antibiogram) is performed. This technique is used to measure a microorganism’s sensitivity to antimicrobial medications, allowing for the selection of the most appropriate treatment for the infection.

Risks

Obtaining a semen sample for culture does not pose any risk to the patient. However, ejaculation may be painful if the patient was already experiencing this symptom.

What to expect from a sperm culture

Although the patient may collect the sample at home, it is preferable to do so at the clinic in a clean and sterile environment. Upon arrival, the patient is given the collection container and directed to a private room for privacy and comfort.

Before beginning, the patient must urinate and thoroughly wash their hands and genitals with soap and water. No creams or lubricating gels should be applied, as they can contaminate the sample.

It is important to collect all the ejaculated semen without spilling any outside the container. Otherwise, the culture results may be altered. If the sample is collected at home, the same hygiene instructions must be followed. It is crucial to note that the semen sample should never be collected using a condom, as condoms contain spermicides that alter the sample, nor through interrupted intercourse, as vaginal contamination would occur.

The sample must be delivered to the laboratory within one hour of collection, protecting it from cold and light to prevent deterioration.

Medical specialties that request sperm culture

Semen culture is requested by Primary Care, Internal Medicine, Urology, and Assisted Reproduction units.