Semen analysis measures the quantity and quality of semen and sperm. Semen is the thick white fluid that is ejaculated from the penis during sexual arousal or ejaculation. It contains sperms, the cells produced in the male reproductive system, which have the genetic material necessary for conceiving a child.

The normal sperm count ranges from 15 million to over 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Any count below 15 million sperm per milliliter or 39 million sperm per ejaculation is considered low.

What is the importance of semen analysis?

Semen analysis is to determine if there is a problem with the semen or sperm that may cause infertility. Low sperm count or poor motility can contribute to infertility

Semen analysis tests include the following:

Sperm count: Concentration, and volume:
– The total sperm count is the number of sperm in the ejaculated semen sample (39 million or more).
– Semen volume is the amount of fluid ejaculated and is classified as a healthy quantity if it is 1.5 milliliters or more.
– Sperm concentration is the number of sperms in 1 milliliter of semen. A concentration of 15 million or more per milliliter is considered healthy.

● Sperm morphology: It refers to the number of sperms with a normal shape in terms of head, neck, and tail, indicating whether the sperms are functioning or not. An ideal-shaped sperm can swim in the female reproductive system to reach and penetrate the egg upon arrival. Having 4% a normal shape and size sperms is considered normal.

● Sperm motility: Sperm motility is related to the number of well-moving sperm and includes total and progressive motility.
– Total motility refers to the number of sperms that move overall and a percentage of 40% or higher is considered good.
– Progressive motility refers to the number of sperms that move in a forward direction. Sperms need to be able to move forward to fertilize the egg. This number is expressed as a percentage of the total. Having 32% or more progressive motility is considered good.

pH also describes the acidity of semen. Abnormal acidity can kill sperm or affect their ability to move. The presence of white blood cells in sperm is also a sign of infection or inflammation, which may affect fertility.

Semen analysis results:

Semen analysis results, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), can vary from one person to another, so the results are given as a range rather than a specific number.
• Total sperm count in ejaculation: 39–928 million.
• Semen volume: 1.5-7.6 ml.
• Sperm concentration: 15–259 million per milliliter.
• Sperm morphology: 4–48%
• Total motility: 40–81%
• Progressive motility: 32–75%.

How does sperm count affect fertility?

A healthy sperm count is essential to getting pregnant naturally. Although it only takes one sperm and one egg to conceive, healthier sperm will increase the chances of pregnancy each month.

Sperm count can affect fertility because a lower sperm count decreases the chances of the female partner getting pregnant. Issues related to sperm quality can also affect a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.