Semen Analysis
Reviewed
Also called: Sperm analysis, Semen testing, Male fertility test
A semen analysis, also called a sperm count, measures the quantity and quality of semen and sperm.
Specimen: Semen
Why this test may be ordered
- You and your partner have been trying to have a baby for at least 12 months without success.
- You have recently had a vasectomy and need to confirm that your semen has no sperm.
Preparation and collection
You'll need to avoid all sexual activity that results in ejaculating sperm for 2-7 days before the sample is collected. Your provider will give you instructions.
You will need to provide a semen sample. For accurate results, the semen must be examined quickly before the sperm begin to die. You will usually provide a sample in a private room at a lab by masturbating and collecting your semen in a sterile container.
There is no known risk to a semen analysis.
Understanding results
If your semen analysis results aren't all normal, it doesn't mean you're permanently infertile. But it does show that your sperm may be part of the reason you and your partner are having difficulties getting pregnant.
- Volume lower than 1.5 milliliters: Anything lower than 1.5 milliliters may cause infertility. Limitation: Because your sperm count and semen quality can vary from day to day, you may need to provide two or more semen samples within a week or two. Next step: Your provider may order more tests, such as ultrasounds and blood tests, to help find the cause of the problem so it can be treated.
- Sperm count of 39 million or fewer in the entire sample: A count lower than this may make it difficult to get your partner pregnant. Limitation: Because your sperm count and semen quality can vary from day to day, you may need to provide two or more semen samples within a week or two. Next step: Your provider may order more tests, such as ultrasounds and blood tests, to help find the cause of the problem so it can be treated.
- Sperm concentration lower than 15 million per milliliter: Anything lower than 15 million may make it difficult to get your partner pregnant. Limitation: Because your sperm count and semen quality can vary from day to day, you may need to provide two or more semen samples within a week or two. Next step: Your provider may order more tests, such as ultrasounds and blood tests, to help find the cause of the problem so it can be treated.
- Sperm movement (motility) less than 40%: If less than 40% of your sperm are able to move efficiently, the odds of one reaching and fertilizing the egg may be lower. Limitation: Because your sperm count and semen quality can vary from day to day, you may need to provide two or more semen samples within a week or two. Next step: Your provider may order more tests, such as ultrasounds and blood tests, to help find the cause of the problem so it can be treated.
- More than 1 million white blood cells per milliliter: More than this may be a sign that an infection is affecting your fertility. Limitation: If your semen analysis results aren't all normal, it doesn't mean you're permanently infertile. Next step: Your provider may order more tests, such as ultrasounds and blood tests, to help find the cause of the problem so it can be treated.
- After a vasectomy: sperm found: If sperm is found, you'll need repeat testing until your sample has no sperm. Limitation: It's not unusual to find sperm in several ejaculations after a successful vasectomy. Next step: In the meantime, you and your partner will have to use other birth control to prevent pregnancy.
- 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
Treatments for infertility depend on the cause. To help improve your chances of getting your partner pregnant, your provider may refer you to a provider who specializes in infertility.
- What do my specific results mean for my fertility?
- Should I have another semen analysis to confirm the results?
- What additional tests might I need?
- What lifestyle changes could improve my sperm health?
- If I had a vasectomy, when should I have follow-up testing?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.