SEMEN ANALYSIS

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WHAT IS A SEMEN ANALYSIS?

The semen analysis is one of the most basic laboratory tests of a couple undergoing an infertility work-up. The male partner is asked to produce a semen specimen to determine if the quality or quantity of the sperm is a contributing factor to their infertility.

WHAT IS A NORMAL SEMEN ANALYSIS?

The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests the following for normal values (these should be seen as rough guidelines only):
Volume: 2.0 ml or more
Sperm Count: 20 million/ml or more
Motility (% of moving sperm): 55% or more with forward progression and 25% or more with rapid progression
Morphology (the shape of the sperm): 30% or more should be normal
Kruger Strict Morphology (used here at Santa Clara): Strict morphology is a way of using a special template to measure the shapes, characteristics and appearance of sperm. A normal sperm has an oval head, intact middle piece, uncoiled tail, and a well-defined acrosome (end of the head).
White blood cells: less than 1 million/ml

Remember these are only guidelines. Your provider will be able to interpret whether your results are within acceptable parameters, even when the numbers do not fall within these specific guidelines. The combination of volume, percentage of motile sperm, and the count determines the amount of active sperm and may provide an informative way to interpret the data.
volume x count x % motility = total motile sperm

HOW ARE LOW OR ABNORMAL SEMEN ANALYSIS COUNTS TREATED?

Your provider will discuss the results with you. He/she may ask you to repeat the semen analysis to confirm an abnormal count. If needed, you may be referred to a specialist called a Urologist.

Usually the treatment for a mildly low count is to do intrauterine insemination. The process of preparing the sperm to be placed directly into the woman’s uterus is called sperm washing.

If counts are extremely low, your provider may suggest using donor sperm or Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).

Your provider will discuss the options you may have if male factors are identified as a contributing factor to your ability to conceive as a couple.