Understanding Semen Analysis

Semen analysis is a test performed to evaluate the health and viability of a man's sperm. It assesses various factors such as sperm count, motility, morphology, and volume.

semen analysis FAQ

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What is a sperm analysis?

A semen analysis is a lab test that examines a semen sample under a microscope. It evaluates: How much sperm is in your semen (sperm count). Sperm activity (motility). Sperm shape (morphology). What is semen? Semen is a whitish-gray fluid that releases from your penis, usually after you orgasm. It contains: Sperm. Sperm are reproductive cells.

What is a semen analysis?

A semen analysis looks at the volume and quality of sperm. It’s one of the first steps in detecting fertility issues. A semen analysis also shows whether a vasectomy was successful. The test involves collecting a semen sample and evaluating it in a lab.

What does a sperm analysis look like?

For a fertility test, a semen analysis looks at: pH scale. Your pH scale is the levels of acids and bases in your semen. If your semen is too acidic, it can affect the health of your sperm. Semen volume. Semen volume is the amount of semen in the sample (in millimeters). Sperm concentration (density).

What should I expect before a semen analysis?

The presence of white blood cells may be a sign of infection or inflammation. A post-vasectomy semen analysis checks to see whether your semen contains sperm. Expected results show no sperm or very few nonmoving sperm. Abnormal results show moving sperm or high numbers of nonmoving sperm.

What are the parameters of a semen analysis?

The semen analysis parameters gives a range of these values: Typically, we need to look at all these values in combination to get the most information from a semen analysis. Briefly, volume is the amount of fluid that comes out when a man ejaculates. Only about 10% of this fluid is actually sperm.

How do I request a semen analysis?

All requests for semen analysis should be made electronically by the requesting healthcare practitioner using the lab requesting system. Most appointments are for patients to pass the sample is one of our private rooms.