Semen Analysis

A laboratory assessment of semen includes ejaculate volume, sperm density, motility (ability to move spontaneously) and morphology (variety in shape). It may also include an assessment of antisperm antibodies, the presence of which in the semen is associated with reduced chances of pregnancy. Testicular trauma, genital tract obstruction and genitourinary infections are associated with antisperm antibodies. A sperm penetration assay (SPA) assesses the ability of sperm to penetrate a hamster ovum. Where few sperm penetrate a couple may be advised to use sperm separation procedures (to separate better quality sperm) for interuterine insemination, or to use ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) with IVF.

"The World Health Organization suggests the following for normal values [for semen], but these should be viewed as rough guidelines only.

Volume	2.0 mL or more
Sperm concentration	20 million/mL or more
Motility	50% or more with forward progression, or 25% or more with rapid progression within 60 minutes of ejaculation
Morphology	30% or more normal forms
White blood cells	fewer than 1 million/mL
Immunobead test	fewer than 20% spermatozoa with adherent particles
SpermMar test	fewer than 10% spermatozoa with adherent particles"

(Excerpt from: Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility. Speroff, Glass, and Kase. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 1999)

Semen Analysis

Learn about Infertility and Reproductive Medicine

Using the National Fertility Directory