Reportedly, one-third of the infertility cases stem from the male partner. It could be due to poor libido, performance, or other factors that affect the performance of the individual, leading to infertility in the future. While female partners in a couple are often pushed for testing, male partners must get thorough testing to rule out any causes of infertility.
A semen analysis report is the most crucial male fertility test to rule out abnormal issues with the sperm. A semen analysis gives a holistic outlook on the male partner’s sexual health and rules out possible issues that could delay or inhibit a successful conception.
This article will delve into the definition of semen analysis, the terminologies involved, and how you can break down the report for easier understanding.
Also Read: How to Increase Sperm Count: 9 Best and Natural Ways to Boost Male Fertility and Sperm Count
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In this Article
What Is Semen Analysis?
Semen analysis is a prevalent type of male infertility test prescribed to check sperm health and overall sexual health. Not only does it look into the sperm’s vitality, but it also detects possible abnormalities and infections that could be inhibiting a successful pregnancy for a couple.
The semen analysis helps to check:
- Sperm vitality
- Sperm motility
- Anatomy of the sperm
Generally, a sperm analysis is done in multiple rounds to ensure better accuracy of results. The American Association of Clinical Chemistry suggests that consecutive sperm analysis tests should be done at least seven days apart. This is because the sperm count is dynamic and will change from time to time.
Conducting two to three sperm analysis tests over 2-3 months helps gauge the differences better. The specialists will then determine the “ideal results” as an average from the three or more tests conducted over months.
Why should one Undergo Semen Analysis?
As mentioned, the primary objective behind semen analysis is to rule out possible causes of infertility. However, the test gives an insight into multiple other factors related to the male reproductive system that could be hampering their health.
Ideally, there are two primary reasons why one needs to undergo a semen analysis. They include:
| To test for Male Infertility | To test for Vasectomy Success |
| It is prescribed when a couple is having a hard time getting pregnant.
Done to test if the male partner is infertile. Test for low sperm count or sperm dysfunction. |
Test for the success rate of vasectomy.
Rule out the presence of sperm in the semen after ejaculation. Done once every month for three months after a vasectomy to ensure its success. |
How Should a Patient prepare for Semen Analysis?
To ensure 100% accuracy with the sperm test results normal forms, there are some essential factors that the patient needs to follow before their semen analysis tests. These factors determine that the lab gets the best sample for testing.
Following are some factors to look out for:
- Avoid harmful components and substances like alcohol, caffeine, and drugs around a week before the semen analysis.
- Avoid taking herbal medications that could alter bodily functions.
- Avoid taking hormonal medications a week before the test.
- Avoid ejaculation 2-4 days before the test.
Follow all these factors to yield the best results from the test. It is advisable to discuss all the medications you take to rule out any consequences or future complications.
How is Semen Analysis done?
Semen analysis is generally a three-step procedure:
- Collection of the sample
- Testing of the sample
- Results
There are some semen analysis kits available in the market that allows you to run the tests at home. However, they do come with restrictions and only highlight the sperm count.
Let us elaborate on the lab-based semen analysis tests.
Collection and Testing of sample
This is hands down an integral part of the semen analysis test. There are two essential factors worth considering when it comes to the sample:
- It needs to be kept at body temperature
- It should be delivered to the lab within 60 minutes after ejaculation
Once the sample is delivered to the laboratory, it undergoes further testing to check the sperm’s vitality, motility, morphology, and functions.
The sperm analysis test can arise if the samples are tested in unsanitary conditions, testing is done by an inexperienced professional, etc. So, always ensure that you get the tests done from a reliable diagnostic laboratory for accurate results.
How to Determine the Semen Analysis Test Result?
Semen analysis reports can take somewhere between one day to a week, depending on the sample and the tests being done. If the semen analysis is done to check the vasectomy success, the reports are done within a day. However, a semen analysis for fertility tests for multiple factors can take time.
Here are some of the critical determinations that you can draw from the semen analysis normal report:
| Factors | Normal Results |
| Semen ejaculate volume | Average volume is between 2-5 ml after ejaculation. |
| Sperm concentration | 15 million per ml is considered normal.
Less than 5 million per ml is considered a low range. |
| Sperm motility | Should be over 50% in the collected semen sample.
Less than 50% can cause issues with a successful conception. |
| Sperm morphology | Should have an oval head and extended tail for normal morphology.
12% normal sperm morphology in a semen sample is considered normal. Less than 12% contributes to chances of infertility. |
| pH | The normal pH range of a semen sample is between 7.2 to 7.8.
More than 8.0 indicates signs of infection. Less than 7.0 is indicative of blockage in the patient’s reproductive tract. |
| Liquefation | It should be between 15-20 minutes for normal fertility.
Anything above that signifies possible chances of infertility. |
| Sperm count | A typical semen sample should contain between 20-200 million sperm. |
These are some of the most common factors that determine whether the patient is infertile or not. If the results are different than the normal range or classification, it indicates possible causes of infertility. Based on the reports, your specialist will draw a further treatment plan.
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Conclusion
A semen analysis test helps obtain a comprehensive and conclusive understanding of the patient’s reproductive health. If the male patient has indulged in unprotected sex with their partner and isn’t getting pregnant, a semen analysis test can find out if the infertility is driven by male factors or not.
It is a general procedure, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. It is always ideal for you and your partner to sit down and discuss the issues and get the needed medical help.
FAQs
What is the normal range of sperm for pregnancy?
For a natural conception, the healthy sperm count and density should be in the range of 15 million to 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen. If you have less than 15 million per milliliter of semen, it is considered and diagnosed as low sperm count – a male factor contributing to infertility.
Is 70 sperm motility good?
A sperm motility of over 40% is considered normal. This indicates that 40% of the sperm cells in the semen sample are motile and viable to ensure optimal conception.
How to read a semen analysis report for sperm count?
The sperm count in a male patient is determined using the semen analysis test. It can be done at a clinic, or at a doctor’s office. There are at-home testing kits available as well.
