Overview
A semen analysis provides insight into sperm health and fertility potential. It evaluates key factors such as sperm count, motility, shape, and overall semen quality. Understanding each component of the report helps interpret results accurately and know when to consult a doctor for further guidance. A semen analysis is usually the first test used to assess male fertility because it gives a clear snapshot of how well your sperm and semen are functioning. It looks at how many sperm you have, how they move, what they look like, and whether the semen fluid supports them. Laboratories often use reference limits based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to interpret these parameters.
What is a Semen Analysis Report?
A semen analysis report is a lab document that summarises different sperm and sperm parameters from your sample. In simple terms, it shows how your sperm compares with reference values for a fertile man.
The report usually includes:
- Sperm concentration and total sperm number
- Semen volume
- Motility (movement)
- Morphology (shape)
- pH and other semen characteristics
Some reports can also include vitality, white blood cells, or specific tests for sperm antibodies.
Why is a Semen Analysis Done?
A semen analysis is done to check whether your sperm and semen quality are likely to support conception. Doctors usually recommend it when a couple is struggling to conceive or before certain fertility treatments.
You may be asked to do a semen analysis if:
- You and your partner have not conceived after 6-12 months of trying.
- There is a history of undescended testes, genital surgery, or infections.
- You have had chemotherapy and radiation.
- You are planning assisted reproductive treatment like IVF or ICSI.
What Happens During a Semen Analysis?
A semen analysis is usually quick and straightforward. You provide a semen sample, and the lab analyses it under standard conditions. It typically involves:
- You are asked to ejaculate into a sterile container at the clinic.
- If home collection is allowed, bring the sample to the lab within about 1 hour, keeping it at body temperature.
- The sample is then processed and examined by a trained technician.
- Results are compared with WHO reference limits or the lab’s own validated ranges.
How Do You Read a Semen Analysis Report?
Understanding each parameter makes the report much less confusing. Each line in your semen analysis points to a specific aspect of sperm or semen health. Below is a simplified overview based mainly on the WHO 2010/2021 reference limits (your lab may use slightly different cut-offs).Typical reference ranges (for guidance only)
| Parameter | Typical Lower Reference Limit |
|---|---|
| Semen volume | 1.4-1.5 mL |
| Sperm concentration | 15-16 million/mL |
| Total sperm number | 39 million per ejaculate |
| Total mobility | 40-42% moving sperm |
| Progressive mobility | 30-32% moving forward |
| Normal morphology | ≥4% normal forms |
| Vitality (live sperm) | 54-58% live |
*Exact values may vary by edition of the WHO guidelines and by laboratory.
Sperm Concentration and Total Sperm Count
Sperm concentration tells you how many sperm are present in each millilitre of semen. A healthy semen analysis usually shows at least 15-16 million sperm per millilitre.
The total sperm count is the overall number of sperm in the entire ejaculate (concentration x volume). A total count of about 39 million or more is often considered within the expected range.
Lower counts or volumes may slightly reduce the chances of sperm reaching the egg, but this does not necessarily prevent conception.
Semen Volume
Semen volume reflects how much fluid you ejaculate. A lower volume may suggest:
- Issues with the glands that produce semen
- Partial blockage of ducts
- Retrograde ejaculation (this is where semen flows into the bladder)
High volume alone usually has less impact unless other parameters are also affected.
Sperm Motility (Movement)
Motility shows how well sperm are moving. Healthy semen usually has at least 40-42% moving sperm, with 30-32% moving forward in a progressive way.
Your sperm may split motility into:
- Progressive motility: Sperm moving actively forward
- Non-progressive motility: Moving but not going anywhere useful.
- Immotile: Not moving at all
Good progressive motility is important because sperm must travel through the female reproductive tract/system to reach the egg.
Sperm Morphology
Morphology describes what the sperm look like under a microscope. A typical reference expects at least 4% of sperm to have a normal shape.
Normal sperm usually have:
- An oval head
- A midpiece
- A long, straight tail
Many sperm in a sample are naturally abnormal, and this is expected. A lower percentage of normal forms may reduce the chances of fertilisation, but does not rule out pregnancy.
Vitality (Live Sperm)
Vitality measures how many sperm are alive, especially when motility is low. Healthy semen generally has more than half of the sperm alive, with a reference limit of around 54-58%.
If vitality is low, your doctor may look for:
- Toxin exposure
- Infections
- High fever or recent illness
- Oxidative stress
pH, Liquefaction and Viscosity
These parameters describe the semen fluid itself. They help show whether the semen environment supports sperm movement and survival.
- pH measures acidity and alkalinity, and 7.2-8.0 is usually considered suitable for sperm.
- Liquefaction time is when semen starts thick and then becomes more liquid. This should happen within about 60 minutes. Delayed liquefaction may affect motility.
- Viscosity describes the thickness of semen. A very thick (high viscosity) semen can make it harder for sperm to move freely.
Other Findings
Some reports include nectar details. Additional findings can point to infections or immune-related issues affecting sperm. You may see:
- White blood cells, or “round cells”, high levels may suggest infection or inflammation.
- Sperm antibody tests (e.g., MAR test) look for antibodies that may attach to sperm and interfere with movement or egg binding.
Your doctor will interpret these in the context of your symptoms and history.
What Do Abnormal Semen Analysis Results Mean?
Abnormal results mean that one or more parameters are outside the reference range. They suggest that sperm may find it harder to reach and fertilise an egg, but they do not prove permanent infertility.
Possible causes range from hormonal issues and varicocele to infections, genetic conditions, or lifestyle factors.
When Should You Repeat the Semen Analysis?
Semen quality changes over time, so a single test does not tell the entire story. Doctors often prefer two or more semen analyses several weeks apart before reaching firm conclusions. This is because:
- Sperm take around 2-3 months to develop, so temporary events (like fever or illness) can affect one sample.
- If your first test is clearly within expected ranges, a repeat may not be necessary.
- If the results are borderline or abnormal, a repeat test helps confirm whether this pattern is consistent.
How Can Doctors Help If Your Semen Analysis Report Is Not Within Expected Ranges?
Abnormal semen analysis results are a starting point, not an endpoint. Doctors can investigate the cause and suggest ways to support your fertility. Depending on your situation, they may:
- Review your medical and sexual history in detail.
- Examine you for varicocele, testicular abnormalities, or hormonal signs.
- Order hormone tests, scrotal ultrasound or genetic testing.
- Recommend lifestyle changes such as weight management, reducing or stopping smoking, reducing alcohol, and managing stress.
- Prescribe medications to treat infections or hormonal imbalances.
- Discuss assisted reproductive techniques if needed.
The exact treatment plan depends on both your results and your partner’s fertility evaluation.
The Bottom Line
A semen analysis is a key male fertility test that assesses how many sperm you produce, how they move, what they look like, and whether the semen environment suits them. By understanding each parameter in your semen analysis report, you can see how your sperm health compares to reference values used for fertile men.
Table of Contents
- What is a Semen Analysis Report?
- Why is a Semen Analysis Done?
- What Happens During a Semen Analysis?
- How Do You Read a Semen Analysis Report?
- Sperm Concentration and Total Sperm Count
- Semen Volume
- Sperm Motility (Movement)
- Sperm Morphology
- Vitality (Live Sperm)
- pH, Liquefaction and Viscosity
- Other Findings
- What Do Abnormal Semen Analysis Results Mean?
- When Should You Repeat the Semen Analysis?
- How Can Doctors Help If Your Semen Analysis Report Is Not Within Expected Ranges?
- The Bottom Line
Common Questions Asked
Is one abnormal semen analysis enough to diagnose infertility?
No. You are usually not diagnosed based on a single report. Doctors prefer at least two semen analyses, taken several weeks apart, before making a diagnosis.
Can lifestyle changes improve semen analysis results?
Yes, changes like quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, sleeping well, and managing stress can support better sperm health.
Does age affect semen analysis parameters?
Sperm quality, particularly motility and DNA integrity, may decline gradually with age, especially after about 40 years.
Can medications affect semen analysis?
Yes, steroids, some chemotherapy drugs, or testosterone supplements can impact sperm. Always tell your doctor about any medications.
What should you do if your semen analysis is normal but you still cannot conceive?
The focus may shift to your partner or subtle male factors, with options like lifestyle changes, timed intercourse, or assisted treatments.