Understanding your semen analysis results
Many people are surprised to learn that when couples have trouble conceiving, there is a male factor at work roughly half of the time. In other words, it’s not always just a “woman problem” – in about 50% of cases, there’s a sperm or other male factor problem either causing or contributing to those negative pregnancy tests. That’s why one of the first things we do for new patients is order fertility testing for both partners. Semen analysis results are a critical part of determining the best way to proceed to help you achieve your goals.
If you come to us for help to have a baby, our San Antonio male fertility specialists will likely order this male fertility test at your very first visit. Understanding a semen analysis result is an important first step in creating a custom treatment plan to help you get pregnant as quickly as possible.
After the male partner provides his semen sample, the skilled andrologists in our partner Ovation® Fertility laboratory will go right to work to analyze it, while the sperm are still fresh. There are many factors that help the sperm get to where they need to go to fertilize an egg. After evaluating all of these factors using sophisticated equipment, our andrologists will deliver a detailed report of your semen analysis results, including information about how your results compare to normal ranges.
Understanding a semen analysis report
Our andrology laboratory uses the following normal ranges, in accordance with the latest standard guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (2021, 6th Edition).
- Semen volume – This is the amount of fluid in the ejaculate. 1.4 mL or more is considered normal.
- Total sperm number – A normal sperm count is 39 million or more sperm in the ejaculate sample.
- Total motility – At least 42% of sperm should be moving.
- Progressive motility – At least 30% of the sperm are moving rapidly.
- Non-progressive motility – 1% or fewer of sperm in a normal sample do not swim in a straight line, or swim in very tight circles.
- Immotile sperm – In a normal semen sample, 20% of sperm do not show any movement at all.
- Vitality – This refers to how many sperm are alive in the sample. A normal vitality result is 54%.
- Normal forms, or morphology – At least 4% of sperm should have a normal shape.
Your San Antonio male factor specialist will explain your semen analysis results to you, and you are encouraged to ask questions to make sure that you are understanding a semen analysis report and what it means for your fertility.
If your report has abnormal findings, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be unable to conceive a baby. We may ask you to provide another semen sample to double-check your results.
Many men just need a little help to ensure that the sperm and egg can meet to create an embryo. Some men are able to improve their sperm count or quality through simple lifestyle changes over a few months, because it takes up to 108 days for new sperm to develop and mature. Some men may be referred to a urologist for further testing and treatment. There are also many highly successful fertility treatments that can help men and couples overcome male factor infertility.
Get your semen analysis results
If you have been trying to conceive with your partner for one year and are younger than 35, and you don’t have recent semen analysis results, it’s time for fertility testing. If you are 35 or older and have been trying for six months, don’t wait to get testing for both partners. Our experienced team is here to help you with understanding a semen analysis result and get you on the path to parenthood. Contact us to get started.