Infertility & Reproduction Health Center
Semen Analysis
How It Is Done continued...
If you collect the semen sample at home, the sample must be received at the laboratory or clinic within 1 hour. Keep the sample out of direct sunlight and do not allow it to get cold or hot. If it is a cold day, carry the semen sample container against your body to keep it as close to body temperature as possible. Do not refrigerate the semen sample.
Since semen samples may vary from day to day, 2 or 3 different samples may be evaluated within a 3-month period for accurate testing.
A semen analysis to test the effectiveness of a vasectomy is usually done 6 weeks after the vasectomy.
How It Feels
Producing a semen sample does not cause any discomfort. But you may feel embarrassed about the method used to collect it. If masturbation is against your religious beliefs, discuss alternate methods of collection with your health professional.
Risks
There are no risks associated with collecting a semen sample.
Results
A
semen analysis measures the amount of semen a man
produces and determines the number and quality of
sperm
in the semen sample. Results of a semen analysis
are usually available within a day. Normal values may vary from lab to
lab.
|
Semen volume |
Normal: |
2-6 milliliters (mL) (0.002-0.006 L, SI units) per ejaculation |
|---|---|---|
| Abnormal: |
An abnormally low or high semen volume is present, which may sometimes cause fertility problems. |
|
|
Liquefaction time |
Normal: |
20-30 minutes after collection |
| Abnormal: |
An abnormally long liquefaction time is present, which may indicate an infection. |
|
|
Sperm count |
Normal: |
40 million spermatozoa per ejaculate or more 0 sperm per milliliter if the man has had a vasectomy |
| Abnormal: |
A very low sperm count is present, which may indicate infertility. But a low sperm count does not always mean that a man cannot father a child. Men with sperm counts below 1 million have fathered children. |
|
|
Sperm shape (morphology) |
Normal: |
More than 70% of the sperm have normal shape and structure. |
| Abnormal: |
Sperm can be abnormal in several ways, such as having two heads or two tails, a short tail, a tiny head (pinhead), or a round (rather than oval) head. Abnormal sperm may be unable to move normally or to penetrate an egg. Some abnormal sperm are usually found in every normal semen sample. But a high percentage of abnormal sperm may make it more difficult for a man to father a child. |
|
|
Sperm movement (motility) |
Normal: |
More than 60% of the sperm show normal forward movement. |
| Abnormal: |
Sperm must be able to move forward (or "swim") through cervical mucus to reach an egg. A high percentage of sperm that cannot swim properly may impair a man's ability to father a child. |
|
|
Semen pH |
Normal: |
Semen pH of 7.2-8.0 |
| Abnormal: |
An abnormally high or low semen pH can kill sperm or affect their ability to move or to penetrate an egg. |
|
|
White blood cells |
Normal: |
No white blood cells or bacteria are detected. |
| Abnormal: |
Bacteria or a large number of white blood cells are present, which may indicate an infection. |
Certain conditions may be associated with a low or absent sperm count. These conditions include orchitis, varicocele, Klinefelter syndrome, radiation treatment to the testicles, or diseases that can cause shrinking (atrophy) of the testicles (such as mumps).
If a low sperm count or a high percentage of sperm abnormalities are found, further testing may be done. Other tests may include measuring hormones, such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or prolactin. A small sample (biopsy) of the testicles may be needed for further evaluation if the sperm count or motility is extremely low.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Infertility & Reproduction Guide
The length of a woman's menstrual cycle matters when it comes to getting pregnant. Find out how to manage your fertility.
