Semen analysis

Fertility Specialist Kristin Bendikson, MD, explains the common tests that are performed when a man's semen for infertility
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Semen analysis

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The main way to evaluate a man’s fertility potential is to do something called a semen analysis. This is where the man has to come to the fertility doctor’s office and provide a sample of the ejaculate. The ejaculate’s analyzed in the lab for certain parameters. The first parameter that they're going to look at is the concentration. This is an estimate of the number of sperm that are in the ejaculate. The next thing that they're going to look at is motility. This is the percentage of sperm that are moving. We want to see that at least 50% of the sperm are moving in the sample. The last thing in the semen analysis that will be looked at is shape. Doctors will refer to this as morphology. Shape affects the sperm’s ability to move and to fertilize the egg. It’s important if you have an abnormal semen analysis to get it retested because the sperm parameters can fluctuate from month to month. It takes about 72 days for a sperm to develop so if a man has an illness or an injury, it’s important to take that into consideration is that illness can affect the semen analysis about two months after the incident had occurred.
PREGNANCY, Fertility, Infertility

Fertility Specialist Kristin Bendikson, MD, explains the common tests that are performed when a man's semen for infertility

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Kristin Bendikson, MD

Fertility Specialist

Dr. Kristin A. Bendikson joined USC Fertility after finishing her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Harvard Medical School and completing her subspecialty training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the internationally renowned Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at Cornell University Medical College. During that time, she received intensive training in ovulation induction, in vitro fertilization and fertility surgery, as well as the management of other disorders including recurrent pregnancy loss, endometriosis, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Kristin received her undergraduate degree from UCLA and attended the prestigious New York University School of Medicine. Her extensive training and years in practice have prepared her to deal with the most difficult and challenging cases.

Kristin holds the title of Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the USC Keck School of Medicine. She is the currently the principal investigator of several research projects including the study of zygote intrafallopian tube transfer for women of advanced reproductive age, aging of the uterine endometrium and vitamin D and its role in infertility. It is her goal to provide the highest quality care for her patients and to help them fulfill their desire of having a healthy baby. In addition, she strives to guide her patients through what can be a trying and difficult journey by providing them with the support and personal attention they need.

Fertility expert, teacher, and researcher, Kristin is also a married mother of two. She resides in West Los Angeles with her family.

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