Semen analysis
Infertility is an increasingly common challenge for many couples. Male fertility contributes in a substantial proportion of cases, making appropriate diagnostic testing essential. Semen analysis is one of the key first-line tests.
Semen analysis is an important test for evaluating semen quality and is recommended in several situations. In particular, it is important for men who have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success and those undergoing assisted reproduction treatment.
It is also recommended for people planning to freeze sperm for future use and for those with a history of significant andrological conditions.
It may also be useful as a proactive health assessment, as some younger men choose to assess fertility when planning for the future.
What information does a semen analysis provide?
A semen analysis provides important information about:
• semen volume,
• sperm concentration,
• sperm motility,
• sperm morphology (shape and size) and the presence of immature cells,
• white or red blood cells in the sample,
• antisperm antibodies, when tested,
• sperm concentration and motility after laboratory preparation,
• sperm motility and survival after 24 hours, when clinically relevant.
Before a semen analysis, no complex preparation is required. It is important, however, to abstain from ejaculation for 2–3 days before the test. You should also tell the clinical team about any medication or vitamin supplements you are taking, as these may affect the result.
Providing a semen sample is straightforward and may be done at the laboratory or, when permitted, at home. If collected at home, the sample should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible, following the laboratory’s instructions. The sample must be collected on the day of the test. It is analysed by a specialist laboratory, and results may be available the same day.
Semen analysis provides valuable information about sperm concentration, morphology , and motility.
Abnormal semen findings can take different forms. For example, aspermia means complete absence of ejaculate and may be associated with inflammation, medication, anatomical obstruction, or other conditions requiring further assessment.
IVF
