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Semen Analysis

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in Fertility Care

A semen analysis is a test that looks at the fluid a man ejaculates (semen) to understand his ability to father a child.
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Semen Analysis

What is Semen Anaysis ?

A semen analysis is a test that looks at the fluid a man ejaculates (semen) to understand his ability to father a child.
Semen is the fluid released during ejaculation. It is made up of two main parts:
  • Sperm cells (produced in the testicles), which are the male reproductive cells that can fertilize a woman’s egg.
  • Seminal fluid (produced by the prostate, seminal vesicles, and other glands), which helps transport and protect sperm.
Think of sperm as the “seeds” and semen as the “nutrient-rich soil and water” that help those seeds travel and survive until they meet the egg.
A semen analysis doesn’t just count sperm; it measures many qualities of the sperm and the semen fluid to see if they are healthy enough to result in a pregnancy.
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When to Consider Semen Analysis

You or your doctor may consider a semen analysis when:

  • A couple has been trying to conceive without success for at least one year (or six months if the female partner is 35 or older).
  • To evaluate male factor infertility, which contributes to about 30–40% of infertility cases.
  • After a vasectomy, to confirm that no sperm are present in the ejaculate.

Types / Parameters Measured

A standard semen analysis measures:

Macroscopic characteristics:

  • Volume of ejaculate (normal: ≥1.5 mL; WHO guidelines: ~2–5 mL)
  • pH (normal: ~7.2–8.0)
  • Liquefaction time, color, and viscosity

Microscopic characteristics:

  • Sperm concentration (≥15 million/mL; WHO: ≥20 million/mL)
  • Total sperm count (WHO: ≥40 million per ejaculate)
  • Motility (≥40–50% moving; ≥25% showing rapid forward progression within 60 minutes)
  • Morphology (normal shapes; WHO: ≥4–50%, depending on criteria)
  • Viability (≥75% alive)
  • White blood cells presence (≤1 million/mL)
  • Fructose levels (indicator of seminal vesicle health)

Step Process

Procedure

Step 1 : Preparation
  • Abstain from ejaculation for 2–7 days.
  • Avoid heat exposure (like hot tubs) and lifestyle factors such as excessive smoking or alcohol before the test.
  • Multiple samples (at least two, spaced weeks apart) are recommended for accuracy.
  • Usually collected via masturbation into a sterile container, ideally at the clinic; alternatives include home collection if delivered promptly.
  • Lab evaluates both macroscopic and microscopic features under quality-controlled settings, following WHO standards.
  • Advanced methods like computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) improve accuracy.

Results

Normal values

  • Volume: ≥1.5 mL
  • Concentration: ≥15 million/mL
  • Motility: ≥40–50%
  • Morphology (normal): ≥4%

Abnormal findings can suggest issues

  • Low count (oligospermia)
  • Poor motility (asthenozoospermia)
  • Abnormal shape (teratozoospermia)
  • Signs of infection, obstruction, or hormonal imbalance

Interpretation

  • An abnormal result doesn’t necessarily confirm infertility—repeat testing is essential.
  • Results guide further evaluation and help tailor fertility treatments like lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, or ART (e.g., IUI, IVF, ICSI).