Semen Analysis
Semen analysis measures the amount and quality of a man's semen and sperm. Semen is the thick, white fluid released during ejaculation that contains sperm.
This test is sometimes called a sperm count.
How the Test is Performed
You will need to provide a semen sample. Your health care provider will explain how to collect a sample.
Methods for collecting a sperm sample include:
Masturbating into a sterile jar or cup
Using a special condom during intercourse given to you by your doctor or nurse
You should get the sample to the lab within 30 minutes. If the sample is collected at home, keep it in the inside pocket of coat so that it will stay at body temperature while you are transporting it.
A laboratory specialist must look at the sample within 2 hours of the collection. The earlier the sample is analyzed, the more reliable the results. The following things will be evaluated:
How to Prepare for the Test
Do not have any sexual activity that causes ejaculation for 2 - 3 days before the test.
How the Test will Feel
Talk to your health care provider if you are uncomfortable with how the sample is to be collected.
Why the Test is Performed
Semen analysis is one of the first tests done to evaluate a man's fertility. It can help determine if a problem in sperm production or quality of the sperm is causing infertility. About half of couples unable to have children have a male infertility problem.
The test may also be used after a vasectomy to make sure there are no sperm in the semen. This can confirm the success of the vasectomy.
The test may also be performed for the following condition:
Normal Results
A few of the common normal values are listed below.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
It is not completely clear how these values and other results from a semen analysis should be interpreted. An abnormal result does not always mean there is a problem with a man's ability to have children.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may suggest a male infertility problem. For example, if the sperm count is very low or very high, a man may be less fertile. The acidity of the semen and the presence of white blood cells (suggesting infection) may affect fertility. Testing may reveal abnormal shapes or abnormal movements of the sperm.
However, there are many unknowns in male infertility. Further testing may be needed if abnormalities are found.
Many of these problems are treatable.
Risks
There are no risks.
Considerations
The following may affect a man's fertility:
Alternative Names
Male fertility test; Sperm count
Semen analysis measures the amount and quality of a man's semen and sperm. Semen is the thick, white fluid released during ejaculation that contains sperm.
This test is sometimes called a sperm count.
How the Test is Performed
You will need to provide a semen sample. Your health care provider will explain how to collect a sample.
Methods for collecting a sperm sample include:
Masturbating into a sterile jar or cup
Using a special condom during intercourse given to you by your doctor or nurse
You should get the sample to the lab within 30 minutes. If the sample is collected at home, keep it in the inside pocket of coat so that it will stay at body temperature while you are transporting it.
A laboratory specialist must look at the sample within 2 hours of the collection. The earlier the sample is analyzed, the more reliable the results. The following things will be evaluated:
- How the semen thickens into a solid and turns to liquid
- Fluid thickness, acidity, and sugar content
- Resistance to flow (viscosity)
- Movement of the sperm (motility)
- Number and structure of the sperm
- Volume of semen
How to Prepare for the Test
Do not have any sexual activity that causes ejaculation for 2 - 3 days before the test.
How the Test will Feel
Talk to your health care provider if you are uncomfortable with how the sample is to be collected.
Why the Test is Performed
Semen analysis is one of the first tests done to evaluate a man's fertility. It can help determine if a problem in sperm production or quality of the sperm is causing infertility. About half of couples unable to have children have a male infertility problem.
The test may also be used after a vasectomy to make sure there are no sperm in the semen. This can confirm the success of the vasectomy.
The test may also be performed for the following condition:
- Klinefelter syndrome
Normal Results
A few of the common normal values are listed below.
- The normal volume varies from 1.5 to 5.0 milliliter per ejaculation.
- The sperm count varies from 20 to 150 million sperm per milliliter.
- At least 60% of the sperm should have a normal shape and show normal forward movement (motility).
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
It is not completely clear how these values and other results from a semen analysis should be interpreted. An abnormal result does not always mean there is a problem with a man's ability to have children.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may suggest a male infertility problem. For example, if the sperm count is very low or very high, a man may be less fertile. The acidity of the semen and the presence of white blood cells (suggesting infection) may affect fertility. Testing may reveal abnormal shapes or abnormal movements of the sperm.
However, there are many unknowns in male infertility. Further testing may be needed if abnormalities are found.
Many of these problems are treatable.
Risks
There are no risks.
Considerations
The following may affect a man's fertility:
- Alcohol
- Many recreational and prescription drugs
- Tobacco
Alternative Names
Male fertility test; Sperm count
This page was last modified on July 14, 2014.
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