Semen Analysis
Reviewed
A semen analysis measures the quantity and quality of semen and sperm to help evaluate male fertility or confirm the success of a vasectomy. The test checks volume, sperm count, sperm concentration, sperm movement (motility), sperm shape (morphology), pH, time to liquefaction, and white blood cells.
Preparation and collection
Avoid all sexual activity that results in ejaculating sperm for 2–7 days before the sample is collected. Follow your provider's specific instructions.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- Sperm count and semen quality can vary from day to day, so multiple samples may be needed.
- At-home self-test kits provide less information than a full semen analysis.
- Abnormal results do not mean you are permanently infertile; they indicate that your sperm may be part of the reason for difficulty getting pregnant.
- Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health and may order additional tests (e.g., ultrasounds, blood tests) to find the cause.
What to do next
If your results are not all normal, your provider may order more tests to help find the cause. Treatment for infertility depends on the cause, and your provider may refer you to a specialist. For vasectomy follow-up: if sperm is found, you will need repeat testing until your sample has no sperm, and you must continue using other birth control. If no sperm is found, you and your partner should be able to stop using other forms of birth control.