Semen Analysis
What Is Semen Analysis?
Semen analysis examines several key aspects of a man’s sperm and semen to assess his fertility potential. This test measures various factors such as sperm count, motility, morphology, and volume, among others, helping identify underlying issues that may affect fertility.
Key Parameters Evaluated in Semen Analysis
- Sperm Count:
- Measures the concentration of sperm in the semen sample.
- A normal sperm count ranges from 15 million to more than 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
- A low sperm count (oligospermia) may indicate reduced fertility.
- Sperm Motility:
- Assesses the ability of sperm to move or swim properly.
- At least 40% of sperm should exhibit normal motility to be considered healthy.
- Poor motility (asthenozoospermia) can reduce the chances of sperm reaching and fertilizing the egg.
- Sperm Morphology:
- Examines the size and shape of sperm.
- A higher percentage of normally shaped sperm is essential for successful fertilization.
- Abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia) can lead to difficulties in conception.
- Semen Volume:
- Measures the total amount of semen produced in a single ejaculation.
- The typical range for semen volume is between 1.5 and 5 milliliters.
- Low semen volume (hypospermia) could indicate issues with the seminal vesicles or prostate gland.
- Semen pH:
- Tests the acidity or alkalinity of the semen, which normally falls between a pH of 7.2 and 8.0.
- Abnormal pH levels could suggest infection or issues with the seminal vesicles.
- Sperm Vitality:
- Measures the percentage of live sperm in a semen sample.
- A vitality test helps assess the number of live, motile sperm if low motility is detected.
What to Expect During Semen Analysis?
- Sample Collection:
- How to Collect:
The sample is typically collected via masturbation in a private room at the clinic. Abstaining from sexual activity for 2 to 5 days before collection is recommended for optimal results. - Timely Submission:
If collected at home, the semen sample must be delivered to the laboratory within 30 to 60 minutes to ensure accuracy. Keep the sample at body temperature during transit.
- How to Collect:
Understanding Your Semen Analysis Results
Once the semen sample has been analyzed, the results will be compared to established reference values provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). The analysis provides insights into sperm quality, which will help determine the next steps in the fertility treatment process.

- Normal Results:
- A normal sperm count of at least 15 million sperm per milliliter.
- Sperm motility of 40% or more.
- A higher percentage of sperm with normal morphology (typically above 4% using strict criteria).
- Abnormal Results:
- Low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology could point to various issues affecting fertility.
- Further diagnostic tests, such as hormone assessments, genetic testing, or imaging, may be required to identify underlying causes.
When is Semen Analysis Necessary?
- Infertility Concerns:
- If a couple has been trying to conceive for over a year without success, semen analysis is one of the first tests conducted to evaluate male fertility.
- Before Fertility Treatments:
- A semen analysis is essential before treatments such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) to assess the quality of sperm.
- Post-Surgery or Injury:
- Men who have undergone surgeries such as vasectomy reversal or experienced injuries that could affect reproductive organs may require semen analysis to assess their fertility potential.
- History of Recurrent Miscarriages:
- Semen analysis may help identify male factor contributions to recurrent pregnancy loss.
Benefits of Semen Analysis
-
Early Diagnosis of Male Infertility:
Semen analysis provides valuable insight into the potential causes of infertility, allowing for prompt diagnosis and treatment. -
Tailored Fertility Treatments:
Based on the results, your fertility specialist can recommend personalized treatment options, improving the chances of conception. -
Comprehensive Fertility Evaluation:
By understanding the male partner’s fertility status, couples can make informed decisions about their reproductive journey.