Semen Analysis

What is a semen analysis?

A semen analysis, also called a sperm count, measures the quantity and quality of a man's semen and sperm. Semen is the thick, white fluid released from the penis during a man's sexual climax (orgasm). This release is called ejaculation. Semen contains sperm, the cells in a man that carry genetic material. When a sperm cell unites with an egg from a woman, it forms an embryo (the first stage of an unborn baby's development).

A low sperm count or abnormal sperm shape or movement can make it difficult for a man to make a woman pregnant. The inability to conceive a baby is called infertility. Infertility can affect men and women. For about one-third of couples unable to have children, male infertility is the reason. A semen analysis can help figure out the cause of male infertility.

Other names: sperm count, sperm analysis, semen testing, male fertility test

What is it used for?

A semen analysis is used to find out if a problem with semen or sperm may be causing a man's infertility. The test may also be used to see if a vasectomy has been successful. A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that is used to prevent pregnancy by blocking the release of sperm during sex.

Why do I need a semen analysis?

You may need a semen analysis if you and your partner have been trying to have a baby for at least 12 months without success.

If you've recently had a vasectomy, you may need this test to make sure the procedure has worked.

What happens during a semen analysis?

You will need to provide a semen sample. The most common way to provide your sample is to go to a private area in your health care provider's office and masturbate into a sterile container. You should not use any lubricants. If masturbation is against your religious or other beliefs, you may be able to collect your sample during intercourse using a special type of condom. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns about providing your sample.

You will need to provide two or more additional samples within a week or two. That's because sperm count and semen quality can vary from day to day.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You will need to avoid sexual activity, including masturbation, for 2–5 days before the sample is collected. This will help make sure your sperm count is at its highest level.

Are there any risks to the test?

There is no known risk to a semen analysis.

What do the results mean?

The results of a semen analysis include measurements of quantity and quality of semen and sperm. These include:

Volume: the amount of semen
Sperm count: the number of sperm per milliliter
Sperm movement, also known as motility
Sperm shape, also known as morphology
White blood cells, which may be a sign of an infection

If any of these results are not normal, it may mean there is problem with your fertility. But other factors, including the use of alcohol, tobacco, and some herbal medicines, can affect your results. If you have questions about your results or other concerns about your fertility, talk to your health care provider.

If your semen analysis was done to check the success of your vasectomy, your provider will look for the presence of any sperm. If no sperm is found, you and your partner should be able to stop using other forms of birth control. If sperm is found, you may need repeat testing until your sample is clear of sperm. In the meantime, you and your partner will have to take precautions in order to prevent pregnancy.

Is there anything else I need to know about a semen analysis?

Many male fertility problems can be treated. If your semen analysis results were not normal, your health care provider may order more tests to help figure out the best approach to treatment.

References

Allina Health [Internet]. Minneapolis: Allina Health; c2018. Semen analysis [cited 2018 Feb 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://wellness.allinahealth.org/library/content/1/3627
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Infertility FAQs [updated 2017 Mar 30; cited 2018 Feb 20]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/Infertility/index.htm
Johns Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. Johns Hopkins Medicine; Health Library: Male Infertility [cited 2018 Feb 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/kidney_and_urinary_system_disorders/male_infertility_85,p01484
Lab Tests Online [Internet]. Washington D.C.; American Association for Clinical Chemistry; c2001–2018. Infertility [updated 2017 Nov 27; cited 2018 Feb 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://labtestsonline.org/conditions/infertility
Lab Tests Online [Internet]. Washington D.C.; American Association for Clinical Chemistry; c2001–2018. Semen Analysis [updated 2018 Jan 15; cited 2018 Feb 20]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://labtestsonline.org/tests/semen-analysis
Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998–2018. Male infertility: Diagnosis and treatment; 2015 Aug 11 [cited 2018 Feb 20]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-infertility/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374780
Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co., Inc.; c2018. Problems with Sperm [cited 2018 Feb 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/infertility/problems-with-sperm
National Cancer Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: sperm [cited 2018 Feb 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/search?contains=false&q=sperm
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics [Internet]. Iowa City: The University of Iowa; c2018. Semen analysis [cited 2018 Feb 20]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://uihc.org/adam/1/semen-analysis
University of Rochester Medical Center [Internet]. Rochester (NY): University of Rochester Medical Center; c2018. Health Encyclopedia: Semen Analysis [cited 2018 Feb 20]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=semen_analysis
Urology Care Foundation [Internet]. Linthicum (MD): Urology Care Foundation; c2018. How is Male Infertility Diagnosed? [cited 2018 Feb 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/male-infertility/diagnosis
UW Health [Internet]. Madison (WI): University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority; c2018. Semen Analysis: How It is Done [updated 2017 Mar 16; cited 2018 Feb 20]; [about 5 screens]. Available from: https://www.uwhealth.org/health/topic/medicaltest/semen-analysis/hw5612.html#hw5629
UW Health [Internet]. Madison (WI): University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority; c2018. Semen Analysis: How To Prepare [updated 2017 Mar 16; cited 2018 Feb 20]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://www.uwhealth.org/health/topic/medicaltest/semen-analysis/hw5612.html#hw5626
UW Health [Internet]. Madison (WI): University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority; c2018. Semen Analysis: Test Overview [updated 2017 Mar 16; cited 2018 Feb 20]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www.uwhealth.org/health/topic/medicaltest/semen-analysis/hw5612.html

The medical information provided is for informational purposes only, and is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please contact your health care provider with questions you may have regarding medical conditions or the interpretation of test results.

In the event of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.