The role of sperm is to transport genetic material to the egg where fertilization and conception take place. A semen analysis (SA) is the most useful diagnostic test of sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and count. The semen analysis helps the reproductive endocrinologist determine whether male factor infertility exists.
Once the specimen is given to personnel in our Andrology Lab, it will be analyzed for the following factors and summarized in a report.
The collection of the SA specimen can conveniently be done here at our office where we provide private and comfortable rooms for men. Or, they may take a collection kit home and return the sample to our office for analysis.
The semen analysis is the first step in evaluating the male factor for couples undergoing an infertility evaluation. It is important to evaluate the male so the female does not go through more invasive testing or unnecessary treatments.
The semen analysis report contains several pieces of data. The most important values are volume, count, motility, and morphology. Here is a brief description of these factors and their relevance:
Volume
Sperm volume measures the total volume of the ejaculate. Human semen is produced in relatively small amounts. Most men produce at least 1.5ml. Too little semen may interfere with proper delivery of the sperm to the female during intercourse. Low semen volume may result from a number of conditions, including obstruction of the ejaculatory ducts, absence of the vas deferens, retrograde ejaculation, a history of prostate disease or surgery, or hormonal dysfunction.
Count
The sperm count is given in concentration (sperm/ml) and total count (concentration multiplied by volume). Low sperm counts can be due to anatomical or hormonal issues, but many are unexplained.
A normal concentration is at least 16 million sperm/mL of semen. A normal volume can range from is at least 1.5 mL. To put things in perspective, an mL is approximately the amount in a teaspoon. When low volume is reported, this can be due to various physiological reasons, including an obstruction in the ejaculatory ducts.
Men with low counts and/or motility may benefit from seeing a urologist to rule out varicoceles or other problems in the genital tract. Hormone and genetic testing may be indicated in some men.
Motility is the percentage of moving sperm in the semen sample. Both overall motility and progressive motility are typically reported in a semen analysis. Progressive motility is the percentage of sperm that are moving in a forward direction rather than twitching. In a normal semen sample, at least 40% of sperm are moving and at least 32% are moving in a forward direction (progressive motility). Possible causes of low motility include varicoceles, infection, and sperm antibodies.
Morphology is the percentage of normally shaped sperm in the semen sample. Even in a normal sample, the majority of sperm are abnormal in appearance. The lower limit of normal morphology is 4% when Kruger or strict criteria are used, which means that as many as 96% of sperm are shaped abnormally. Abnormally shaped sperm may be unable to normally fertilize an egg.
Sperm DNA fragmentation testing evaluates for breaks in the DNA (genetic material) in the sperm. DNA fragmentation may be associated with infertility and recurrent miscarriage.
Men with an abnormal semen analysis should consult with a reproductive endocrinologist. In some cases, you may be referred to a urologist specializing in male fertility. Your physician may evaluate you for hormonal, genetic, or anatomic causes of abnormal semen parameters. Most men with an abnormal semen analysis can father children with appropriate treatment. Treatments for male-factor infertility may include:
You can call 1 (866) HRC-4IVF (4483) or complete our online contact form to set up an appointment.
Hours may vary depending on location, but we generally operate Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM. Please call our local clinic for an appointment.
Yes, a valid order from your physician is required, along with government-issued photo ID, at Check-in.
2-5 working days, though results are usually reported to your physician within two days.
The Semen Analysis test requires you to abstain from ejaculation at least 2 days and no more than 7 days, prior to your test date.
You can collect the semen sample at home and drop it off within ONE (1) HOUR after collection. You can also collect your sample at our clinics. Sterile collection containers will be provided by the clinic.
