Health Encyclopedia

Semen analysis

Definition

Semen analysis is a test to measure the amount and quality of a man's semen and sperm. Semen is the thick, white, sperm-containing fluid released during ejaculation.

The test is sometimes called a sperm count.

Alternative Names

Male fertility test; 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.

Sample collection may involve masturbation and collecting the sperm into a sterile container. It may also be collected during intercourse by using a special condom supplied by your health care provider.

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 laboratory specialist will look at the sample to determine the following details:

Fluid coagulation (thickening into a solid) and liquefication
Fluid thickness, acidity, and sugar content
Resistance to flow (viscosity)
Sperm movement or 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

If you are uncomfortable about how the sample is to be taken, discuss it with your health care provider.

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. Approximately 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 Values

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).

However, how to interpret these values and other results from a semen analysis is not completely certain.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal results may suggest a male infertility problem. For example, if the sperm count is very low or very high there is a likelihood of being less fertile. The acidity of the semen and the presence of white blood cells (suggesting infection) may influence fertility.

However, there are many unknowns in male infertility. The results from the test may fail to explain the cause. If a low sperm count or abnormal semen is found, further testing may be required.

What the risks are

There are no risks.

Special considerations

The use of the following may affect a man's fertility:

Alcohol
Many recreational and prescription drugs
Tobacco

Review Date:5/21/2008
Reviewed By:David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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