HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Semen Analysis
Results
A
Reference semen Opens New Window analysis measures the amount of semen a man
produces and determines the number and quality of
Reference sperm Opens New Window Reference 
Opens New Window in the semen sample. Results of a semen analysis
are usually available within a day. Normal values may vary from lab to
lab.
|
Semen volume | Normal: |
2–5 Reference milliliters (mL) Opens New Window (0.002–0.005 L in SI units) per ejaculation |
|---|---|---|
| Abnormal: |
An abnormally low or high semen volume is present, which may sometimes cause fertility problems. |
|
|
Liquefaction time | Normal: |
20–30 minutes after collection |
| Abnormal: |
An abnormally long liquefaction time is present, which may indicate an infection. |
|
|
Sperm count | Normal: |
20 million spermatozoa per milliliter (mL) or more 0 sperm per milliliter if the man has had a Reference vasectomy Opens New Window |
| Abnormal: |
A very low sperm count is present, which may mean Reference infertility Opens New Window. But a low sperm count does not always mean that a man cannot father a child. Men with sperm counts below 1 million have fathered children. |
|
|
Sperm shape (morphology) | Normal: |
More than 30% of the sperm have normal shape. Kruger criteria: More than 14% of the sperm have a normal shape. |
| Abnormal: |
Sperm can be abnormal in several ways, such as having two heads or two tails, a short tail, a tiny head (pinhead), or a round (rather than oval) head. Abnormal sperm may be unable to move normally or to penetrate an egg. Some abnormal sperm are usually found in every normal semen sample. But a high percentage of abnormal sperm may make it more difficult for a man to father a child. |
|
|
Sperm movement (motility) | Normal: |
More than 50% of the sperm show normal forward movement after 1 hour. |
| Abnormal: |
Sperm must be able to move forward (or "swim") through cervical mucus to reach an egg. A high percentage of sperm that cannot swim properly may impair a man's ability to father a child. |
|
| Normal: |
Semen pH of 7.1–8.0 |
|
| Abnormal: |
An abnormally high or low semen pH can kill sperm or affect their ability to move or to penetrate an egg. |
|
|
White blood cells | Normal: |
No white blood cells or bacteria are detected. |
| Abnormal: |
Bacteria or a large number of white blood cells are present, which may indicate an infection. |
Certain conditions may be linked with a low or absent sperm count. These conditions include Reference orchitis Opens New Window, Reference varicocele Opens New Window, Reference Klinefelter syndrome Opens New Window, radiation treatment to the Reference testicles Opens New Window, or diseases that can cause shrinking (atrophy) of the testicles (such as Reference mumps Opens New Window).
If a low sperm count or a high percentage of sperm abnormalities are found, further testing may be done. Other tests may include measuring hormones, such as Reference testosterone Opens New Window, Reference luteinizing hormone (LH) Opens New Window, Reference follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Opens New Window, or Reference prolactin Opens New Window. A small sample (Reference biopsy Opens New Window) of the testicles may be needed for further evaluation if the sperm count or motility is extremely low.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference May 1, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
|
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
