What does a positive mar test mean in a spermogram. The essence and decoding of mar test

If a woman cannot become pregnant within a year, but at the same time she is absolutely healthy, then the man will have to take a spermogram. A spermogram is a medical examination of the activity and motility of spermatozoa in order to determine various diseases of the reproductive function that affected the spermatozoa.
Many men are wondering how to take a spermogram correctly so that the test results are accurate. Sperm is a very sensitive biological material. Therefore, before taking a spermogram, it is necessary to carry out the correct preparation. Also, it is necessary to take a spermogram only in specialized clinics, where specialists who know how to properly conduct an analysis work. The fact is that the analysis must be performed within an hour after the spermogram is taken.

How is the preparation for the delivery of spermogram?

Before taking a spermogram, a man must comply with the following rules:

What errors can happen during sperm donation?

Everyone knows very well how a spermogram is given up: through masturbation in a medical clinic in a special room, this process is carried out. Do not take for analysis the sperm that was obtained by sexual intercourse at home. During sexual intercourse, the first part of the sperm is lost, and, in addition, the acidic environment of the vagina can damage the sperm. If a man cannot donate sperm at the clinic, the conditions are uncomfortable for him, then it is allowed to donate at home. Cream, vaseline or other lubricants that have got during masturbation can have a negative effect.

For testing, a special disposable plastic jar is used. The volume of the jar is 50 ml. The use of a glass jar is possible only after careful sterilization. The lid of the jar must be removed before ejaculation. To prevent dirt or other negative microorganisms from getting into the container, do not take it by the inside. For bacteriological examination (semen culture) only a sterile container should be used.

Within an hour, the sperm must be delivered to the laboratory at body temperature. If it is transported, then temperature fluctuations must be excluded. The initials of the man are indicated on the sample jar. If the biological material was not collected in full, then this should be reported to the doctor at the appointment.

Expanded spermogram and mar test

The price of a spermogram completely depends on the amount of information a man wants to know. When passing an expanded spermogram in Invitro, it becomes possible to find out more information about the activity and motility of sperm. The expanded spermogram includes such indicators as:

• WHO standard semen analysis;
• mar test;
• strict adherence to Kruger morphology.

Statistics show that 10-20% of men suffer from infertility due to the influence of the immune factor. In the formation of immune infertility, autoantibodies to their own spermatozoa play a major role. Violation of the activity of protection at any stage can be the result of the formation of antisperm antibodies. It is these antibodies that contribute to a decrease in the activity and motility of sperm.

The mar test is used to detect an immune factor that interferes with fertilization. It determines the amount of antisperm antibodies in semen. Biological material is combined with sperm and latex particles or red blood cells, which, in turn, are coated with human antibodies from the IgA or IgG group. Serum IgG is then added.

There are contraindications to taking the mar test. After the appropriate treatment has been carried out, in order to get rid of these pathologies, you can take the mar test. Contraindications:

• when a small amount of active sperm was found in the spermogram;
• in the presence of cryptozoospermia and azoospermia.

Where can I take a spermogram and what analysis indicators are being studied?

During the analysis, special attention is paid to such properties of sperm as:

1. Liquefaction.
2. Quantity.
3. Viscosity.
4. Hue.
5. Alkaline environment.
6. Leukocytes and erythrocytes.

A spermogram in Moscow can be taken in any specialized clinics where there are separate rooms for depositing biological material in special containers. Also make sure that the clinic has a competent specialist who knows how to properly analyze the spermogram. The main indicators of the spermogram are the number of active and motile sperm. Normally, it is considered that in a healthy man, 1 ml of semen contains at least 15 million active and motile spermatozoa. If this is not observed, then the man is diagnosed with oligozoospermia, that is, a decrease in the level of sperm activity.

MAR test- this is finding the ratio, calculated as a percentage, between spermatozoa coated with antisperm antibodies, to the total cumulative number of normal spermatozoa. As a result, using this procedure, it is possible to identify the percentage of spermatozoa that are not adapted for fertilization and are not noticed.

Carrying out the procedure

When conducting a test sperm is combined with erythrocytes or latex atoms coated with antibodies represented by immunoglobulins IgA, IgG and IgM. Then serum containing antibodies is added to the formed mass. The incorporated particles adhere to the coated spermatozoa. The percentage of the resulting compounds will show you the likelihood of remaining infertile.

Reasons for the appearance of antisperm antibodies:

• various injuries of the genital organs (this includes operations on the surgical table);
• many different infections;
• internal diseases of the male genitourinary system;
• sources of unexplained origin.

The test shows the information that the spermogram cannot give. In it, spermatozoa connected with antibodies look like absolutely normal, although their real activity is much lower.

Can't deal with prostatitis?

Popular drugs often relieve only the symptoms of prostatitis for a while. The disease does not go away, but continues to progress and reduce sexual desire and cause accelerated ejaculation!

The tool will help not only improve urination, reduce swelling of the prostate, but also restore potency and strengthen the immune system.

It has the following properties:

• Eliminates inflammation and pain
• Eliminates burning sensation during urination
• Relieves swelling of the prostate gland
• Potency returns
• You will feel masculine strength and a burst of energy again!

Rules for passing the MAR test

Obtaining sperm mass should only be through masturbation. Another method is absolutely not suitable here, since the sperm will be obtained with foreign particles.

The ejaculate is collected in a disinfected container. At the same time, it is important to collect absolutely all the sperm, since the most important indicator is the volume of the ejaculate. Usually, sperm is donated at the clinic, but it can also be collected at home, but only if the container with the biomaterial is delivered to the laboratory as quickly as possible.

Indications for a MAR test

• The influence of diseases of one half on the ability to fertilize;
• Infertility in men (prostatitis, injuries, hormonal disorders);
• Fertilization by artificial means;
• Pregnancy, pre-planned;
• Lots of other reasons.

Stories from our readers!
“Problems with “male” health have appeared due to work and problems that have piled up. The doctor forbids drinking classic pills for potency, because they affect the heart and pressure.

I learned about effervescent tablets, the composition of which is completely natural, and therefore completely safe even with hypertension. After I started taking them, everything returned to normal and improved significantly!"

Preparing for the MAR Test

• Refusal of sexual pleasures for 2 days. Sperm is given for a test after rejection within 2 days, but not more than 7 days;
• For accurate test results you need to take the test twice with an interval of 7 to 21 days. If after passing 2 tests the results differ, then you need to pass another test;
• If more than one test is required, then the time of abstinence before each of them should be the same;
• It is forbidden to drink alcohol drinks 7 days before the test;
• Need to wait with the delivery of the analysis, if you have recently suffered from diseases of the urethra, accompanied by inflammatory processes and temperature;
• Before the test it is not recommended to go to the gym or indulge in hard physical labor, you can not be nervous, tired and healthy sleep is necessary.

Interpreting MAR test results

During the analysis, special attention is paid to
e sperm properties like:

• Liquefaction;
• Number;
• Viscosity;
• Coloring;
• alkaline pH;
• Leukocytes and erythrocytes.

The most accurate interpretation of the test is possible only when analyzing the final test indicators by a qualified doctor.

The test result is:

1. positive (bad), in the event that more than half of the spermatozoa are covered with antisperm antibodies;
2. Negative (i.e. good), in the case opposite to positive analysis;
3. normal if the proportion of such sperm is below 10%.

Actually, the higher the percentage of the MAR test, the less likely a woman will become pregnant from such a man.

Where to take the MAR test?

The test can be taken at any specialized clinic where there are separate rooms for the biomaterial isolation procedure. Make sure that a qualified doctor works in the clinic. The main indicators of the test will be the number of active and motile spermatozoa.

Normal performance- in a completely healthy man, 1 ml of semen contains about 15 million active spermatozoa. If there are none, then the man is diagnosed, that is, a reduced level of sperm activity.

The price of a MAR test usually varies between from 500 to 1700 rubles.

When a MAR test fails

It cannot be executed as a result of:

• A small number of motile spermatozoa in the semen mass;
• Complete absence of spermatozoa;
• With cryptozoospermia.

• When conceiving a child it is necessary to stop smoking, alcohol, drugs, taking medications without the knowledge of a doctor;
• Need to limit the effect on the body of adverse factors, physical exertion;
• Do light sports eg volleyball or tennis;
• There is a need to refuse from hot places, such as a bath or sauna;
• very helpful positive emotions, negative should be avoided;
• Huge amount of time it is recommended to spend in nature and on the street in general;
• Don't overheat in the sun– its radiation greatly affects the quality of sperm;
• Diet needs to be adjusted- it should be balanced to the maximum and be useful. It is advisable to eat homemade food. From the diet, it is necessary to completely exclude products containing various additives, preservatives, etc.;
• Drink only pure boiled or filtered water;
• Plan your pregnancy follows in the fall, because the body has gained strength and vitamins as a result of a summer vacation;
• You must not use condom and take contraceptives;
• A woman must find out the days of ovulation by measuring the temperature by the rectal method or by a test that can be purchased at a pharmacy;
• After the end of menstruation cycle, sexual intercourse should be every 1 - 2 days, it is best to make contact on the day of ovulation;
• Sexual contact is preferred only exercise in the morning, when the body is full of strength and energy after sleep, in the morning spermatozoa are more mobile than in the evening, and testosterone is at its peak, since it occurs between 7 and 10 am, and in the evening its level decreases;
• To be more likely conception, use the missionary position, lay the woman on her back, put a small pillow under the buttocks, the man on top;
• After a man ejaculates a woman should not get up immediately after contact, it is better to lie down for 15 to 60 minutes so that the spermatozoa have time to reach the uterus;
• After that, the woman must take a shower, be sure to shower (just pour water over yourself from above), but in no case should the vagina be cleaned with water and it is even more important not to use soap and other hygiene products, since the particles contained in them can affect spermatozoa and disrupt their mobility , as well as change the acidity of the vagina;
• Never drink glucocorticoids, since treatment with them stopped in 1955, when scientists revealed the negative effect of preparations containing this substance.

You can find out the rest of the secrets of unforgettable sex on the pages of our portal.

According to studies, 30-50% of the causes of infertility come down to male factors, with about 20% due to immune changes. A high-quality spermogram with a MAP test will help to get a complete picture of the disease.

What is a spermogram and MAR test

Spermogram with MAR-test (Semen test and MAR-test) is a complete study that allows you to identify the percentage of active spermatozoa in the biological fluid. The test is accepted as the standard for international diagnostics of ACAT and is widely used in modern reproduction.

Sometimes a layman may call a study “smart” or “mart test”, but this is incorrect and is due to the peculiarities of the sound of the foreign language abbreviation MAR.

With the help of MAP testing, an autoimmune factor in infertility can be detected. This means that the treating specialist can get a complete picture of the disease, as a result of which a full course of treatment is prescribed.

A spermogram can only be obtained in a specialized clinic that uses the latest diagnostic methods: in this way, the patient can be 100% sure of the accuracy of the data.

Advantages and disadvantages

To determine what advantages and disadvantages the procedure has, you can consider the table.

In order for the examination to be as complete and accurate as possible, it is important to contact a reproductive specialist who has extensive experience working with patients. Also, MAP testing can be shown to a woman.

Indications for a spermogram with a MAP test

The main indications for the procedure include:

• Male infertility, the cause of which remains unclear.
• Injuries of the genital organs, as well as previous operations.
• The presence of agglutination (gluing) of spermatozoa.
• Transferred infectious diseases, including STDs.
• Preparation for IVF.

Preparation for pregnancy may also be an indication: if a man is responsible for family planning, such testing will be necessary.

Contraindications

Despite the versatility, there are some contraindications:

• A large number of sedentary spermatozoa.
• If a man did not follow the doctor's recommendations before the procedure (drank alcohol, nicotine, fatty foods, etc.).
• In the presence of certain diseases (azoospermia, necrozoospermia, cryptozoospermia).

Also, experts note that the test can be false positive if the man has had vascular disease.

Preparation for analysis

To prepare for the analysis, a man must follow the doctor's recommendations. The main ones include:

• Abstinence from sexual intercourse for 2 to 3 days.
• Quitting smoking, fatty foods and drinking alcohol 7 days before the event.
• Refusal to visit the bath, sauna 7 days before the event.

Also, a week before visiting the laboratory, a man should completely stop taking drugs, especially antibiotics.

Execution methodology and stages

The MAP test is based on the count of male germ cells coated with immune globules. Due to the fact that the spermatozoa are in a kind of "shell", the fertilization process remains impossible.

The laboratory uses an analyzer and a test system. After the patient has passed the material, an in-depth analysis is carried out. It is important for a man to remember that the container must be completely sterile.

After receiving the analysis, the doctor helps the patient to decipher the result and chooses the tactics of dealing with infertility if the data are unsatisfactory.

Do's and Don'ts after

After testing, the patient can return to their normal lifestyle. However, if the result was unsatisfactory, it is recommended not only to start treatment, but also to reconsider your lifestyle.

Decoding: norms and deviations

Example of semen analysis data

A doctor will help to fully decipher the test, but you can understand how high-quality sperm is, on your own:

• Up to 10 - a negative result, that is, seminal fluid and male germ cells of good quality.
• From 10 to 40 - a doubtful result, an additional examination may be required.
• More than 40 - a positive result, germ cells are covered with immune balls, do not allow to conceive a child.

It is also important to get advice from the attending physician, who will tell you what indicators are optimal for an individual patient.

The Mar test is a study that is mainly aimed at determining the fertility of a man.

When is the MAP test performed?

As a rule, a referral for such a study is given to a patient when the couple has problems conceiving a child, or if or were found in the spermogram of a man.

The essence of the method lies in the fact that the doctor determines the number of fertile mobile gametes in the biological substance. The material for the study can be ejaculate, venous blood or mucous substance from the surface of the cervix of a woman.

There are two types of MAP test: direct and indirect.

1. In the first case, the analysis is carried out using seminal fluid or cervical mucus.
2. In the second variant, blood plasma is used as the material.

According to the results of the analysis, the doctor receives the exact percentage of healthy sperm ready for fertilization and gametes connected with antisperm bodies or other enzymes in biological fluids.

MAP test: what is it for?

The main task of the MAP test is to confirm the immunological infertility of the representatives of the strong half. Such infertility appears due to the fact that antibodies formed in the body of a man stick to the sperm. As a result, healthy sperm cannot overcome the distance in the female genital tract to the egg. Often the number of free gametes becomes so small that the man is diagnosed with infertility.

The problem of immunological infertility lies in the fact that spermatozoa are regarded by the male body as foreign bodies, potentially hazardous to health.

As a result, the immune system produces antibodies that attach to sperm and restrict them, making them less fast and mobile. Such bound gametes are defined as absolutely normal. Therefore, to obtain reliable data, you need to pass MAP testing.

The result of the Mar test reflects the exact number of sperm cells bound to the protein. According to these indicators, it is determined whether a man has the opportunity to fertilize a woman, or whether healthy and mobile spermatozoa are not enough to conceive a child.

Sometimes antibodies stick to male gametes in a female body.. In this case, to detect pathology, it is necessary to conduct a MAP test of the cervical mucous substance of a woman. If it turns out that in the immune system of a woman protective bodies are produced to the sperm of a partner, treatment will be carried out not only by the man, but also by the woman. Sometimes an analysis is prescribed immediately after sexual contact, since this way you can get the most accurate result.

Indications for MAP test

In most cases, the study of sperm ends with a spermogram. Only some men are additionally assigned to pass the MAP test. The need for additional research arises with the following indications:

• Male infertility. In this case, the MAP test helps to monitor the treatment process and the effectiveness of the drugs used.
• Serious injuries or inflammation in the organs of the reproductive system, which can provoke the development of infertility.
• Surgical intervention on the genitals.
• The gluing of spermatozoa among themselves revealed in the spermogram, or low mobility of gametes.
• Preparation for artificial insemination.
• The desire of a couple to conceive a child, preparation for pregnancy.

Under these circumstances, special attention is paid to the quality of the seminal fluid of a man, and therefore tests and tests are prescribed that can determine fertility.

By the way, here is the approximate cost of passing the MAP test in different clinics, the price is indicated in rubles:

How to take the MAP test?

Today, almost every hospital has a laboratory where you can take the MAP test. The sampling procedure itself is quite simple. The laboratories have a special room where a man can independently collect seminal fluid by masturbation.

In addition, this can be done at home, however, it is important that the study be carried out on fresh sperm, so you need to bring it to the laboratory within three hours.

Before submitting sperm for the MAP test, it is necessary to go through some preparation. This is necessary to ensure that the results of the analysis are as accurate as possible. And the subsequent treatment is effective. To achieve reliable data, the following rules must be observed:

• If the MAP test is performed using blood plasma, then it is necessary to stop drinking any alcoholic beverages a week before the analysis. Blood for analysis is taken from a vein.
• Before passing the sperm for the MAP test, a man must refrain from any sexual contact for 2-3 days.
• One week before the MAP test, you need to stop smoking.
• During the week before the sperm is taken for analysis, a man should refuse to visit the bath and sauna, since the elevated temperature seriously affects the quality of the sperm.
• In addition, in order to obtain reliable data on the quality of the ejaculate, it is necessary to stop taking any medication and refuse junk food a week before the analysis.

The quality of seminal fluid is affected by many factors, including bad habits, hot environments, elevated body temperature, consumption of spicy and fatty foods, as well as stressful situations and strong feelings. That is why before passing the MAP test, it is recommended to put your lifestyle in order.

What does the mar test show?

Deciphering the mar-test is quite simple. A positive mar-test is considered if the number of glued and immobile spermatozoa is more than a quarter of all gametes in the ejaculate. If the number of immobile sperm is less than 25%, the mar test is considered negative.

The essence of the MAP test is that the specialist counts all the gametes in a portion of the seminal fluid, and then determines the number of sperm covered with immune balls. Next, the percentage of spermatozoa glued with antibodies is determined. If this number exceeds the norm, the mar test becomes positive.

Also, when considering, the specialist notes exactly where the immune balls are located on the spermatozoa. This indicator indicates to which part of the gamete the body produces antibodies.

A positive mar test is the norm for diseases such as infections and injuries of the organs of the reproductive system, surgery or a previous biopsy, as well as obstruction of the vas deferens.

Is it possible to get pregnant with a 100% mar test?

If the result of the mar test shows 100%, then this indicates that all spermatozoa in the seminal fluid of a man are associated with antigens. In this case, the doctor also prescribes additional studies aimed at finding the cause of a positive mar test. Of course, everything here will depend on the characteristics of the patient's condition, however, in most cases, with a positive mar test with a result of 100%, the doctor diagnoses male infertility.

An andrologist can prescribe treatment for a man with a positive Mar test, but, as practice shows, infertility therapy takes a long time, treatment can even last more than one year. Sometimes therapy does not bring significant results, but only slightly increases the number of healthy and mobile spermatozoa.

In cases where the MAP test showed 100%, it is recommended to use the possibility of artificial insemination. This procedure consists in the fact that specialists in the laboratory from the seminal fluid of a man separate a certain amount of healthy spermatozoa, purify them from the antigen, and then artificially place them in the woman's egg.

Mar test according to Kruger

The Mar Kruger test is a more advanced test that includes an additional staining method. This method allows not only to count the number of healthy and glued spermatozoa, but also to determine them. The specialist evaluates the structure of the spermatozoa, the symmetry of their individual parts, and also determines the size of the spermatozoa using special software.

The Kruger mar test has very strict criteria. At the same time, only those gametes that fully comply with accepted standards are considered healthy and morphologically correct. The World Health Organization has set a minimum threshold for the presence of morphologically normal sperm in semen at 4%.

The standard Mar test according to Kruger includes the determination of the following indicators:

• Physical and chemical properties of sperm. These include the volume of release, viscosity, transparency, color, smell, etc.
• Initial study of unstained material. In this case, the task of a specialist is to count the total number of spermatozoa and to isolate the number of glued gametes from them.
• Then the ejaculate is stained with a special preparation, after which the spermatozoa are examined for their structure and shape. For such an analysis, at least 200 sperm are taken.
• Analysis of spermatozoa using a computer program designed to measure the size of gametes. The study also uses 200 spermatozoa.

Morphology analysis is an important indicator that indicates the quality of sperm in a man. If the number of sperm cells that are correct in shape and size is below a certain norm, a man's fertility decreases. The Mar-test allows you to determine all the shortcomings of the seminal fluid of a man, so that the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Far from all cases, infertility becomes incurable, so do not despair.

Attention, only TODAY!

The MAP test is used to diagnose the presence of an immunological factor in infertility. In male patients, it is carried out to search for specific immunoglobulins in the body to their own germ cells. The detection of the corresponding antibodies speaks of an autoimmune process, when spermatozoa are perceived as foreign and the body tries to destroy them.

Antisperm immunoglobulins are peptides that attach to the surface of sperm. Because of this, sperm lose the ability to move normally, die faster. Traditional semen analysis does not detect the presence of spermatozoa with antibodies attached to them. Pathological forms of sperm are regarded as normal. For the most accurate establishment of the appropriate diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a spermogram and a MAP test in parallel.

In women, a diagnostic procedure is performed to determine the presence of specific antibodies in the cervical mucus. Their presence inhibits the movement of sperm through the genital tract. Additionally, women can undergo a postcoital test, which consists in assessing the mobility and degree of sperm binding in the cervical mucus.

To conduct a study, contact the AltraVita clinic. Here, the analysis will be carried out quickly and efficiently. Based on the results of the MAP test, you will receive a consultation with an andrologist. If the result is positive, our doctors will offer the most appropriate treatment methods aimed at restoring the male fertility.

Indications

A spermogram with a MAR test is prescribed in the following situations:

• Male factor infertility.
• Previous diseases or injuries of the reproductive system.
• Surgical interventions on the genitals in history.
• Low activity of spermatozoa (according to the results of the spermogram).
• Preparatory stage for IVF, ICSI.
• Planning for pregnancy.

How is the test carried out?

The MAP test is based on an assessment of the number of sperm coated with immunoglobulins relative to normal cells. At the same time, the place of fixation of immunoglobulins (tail, head) is taken into account to determine their type.

The following classes of antibodies are distinguished: IgG, IgA and IgM. Each of them is characterized by its place of attachment to the germ cell. They can be fixed to the head, tail, neck, or in several places at once.

Preparation for the examination

Traditional preparation for the MAP test includes:

• Abstinence from sexual intercourse 48-72 hours before the diagnostic procedure.
• Refusal to go to the sauna (bath) a week before the examination.
• Suspension of medication for 7 days before the diagnostic procedure. In this case, you should definitely consult a doctor.

If it is planned to donate blood for research, then it is necessary to completely refuse to take alcoholic beverages for a week.

Decryption

A MAP test is considered positive when more than a quarter (25%) of germ cells are in contact with antibodies. This fact indicates the presence of an immunological factor of infertility.

The MAP test is considered negative when immunoglobulins cover less than 25% of germ cells.

A positive result can be when:

• Varicocele.
• Cryptorchidism.
• Infections affecting the reproductive system.
• Injuries.
• Obstruction of the vas deferens.
• Past history of biopsy.

There are situations when the MAP test is not possible to conduct. These include too few germ cells in the sample, azoospermia, necrozoospermia, and cryptozoospermia.

You can take a spermogram and a MAP test in Moscow at the AltraVita clinic. Experienced embryologists work here, providing high accuracy of diagnostic studies. The price of the MAP test here is quite affordable.