Semen Analysis
Semen analysis is a test to evaluate sperm quantity and quality. The procedure is usually for ascertaining the cause of male-factor infertility or after a vasectomy. A sample of semen is examined under a microscope to evaluate the motility and morphology of sperm.
Semen is the male ejaculate through a penis. It contains sperm, fluids, sugar, minerals, and protein. Morphologically, sperm or male reproductive cells consist of a head and tail. The head part houses DNA, whereas the tail end provides motility for sperm to swim toward the egg. The fluids help with the deposition of sperm into the upper vagina. Sugar and proteins are essential nutrients for sperm to travel toward the egg.
Purpose of semen analysis
- Male infertility
- Vasectomy follow-up
Automated Sperm Quality Analyzer
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Procedures of semen analysis
Before the procedure
For fertility testing, you need to abstain from having sex and masturbation for 2-7 days so that the sperm counts are at the highest level.
For the post-vasectomy semen analysis, the procedure is performed 8-12 weeks after a vasectomy.
You should masturbate several times before the analysis to clear the sperm out of your reproductive system. The desired result is no sperm or a few non-moving sperm in the semen.
During the procedure
You will provide semen through masturbation for a clean sample and put it in a sterile container.
The analysis for fertility test will look at the following:
- the pH level of the semen must not be too acidic.
- Semen volume and sperm vitality
- Sperm concentration which shows the number of sperm in a unit of volume
- Sperm morphology
- Sperm motility
- How fast semen change from a sticky substance to a liquid so sperm can travel to the uterus.
- White blood cells for signs of infection
A post-vasectomy semen analysis is to check if the semen still contains sperm. The desired result is no sperm or a few non-moving sperm in the semen.
After the procedure
Your doctor will discuss the result with you. If you have abnormal results, your doctor may order additional tests to check if there are the following conditions.
- Infection
- Low testosterone level
- Ejaculatory duct obstruction
- Medications’ side effects
- Other health problems
Then, the doctor can make a proper treatment recommendation.
Article by
Dr Pimpagar Chavanaves
An obstetrician & gynecologist specializing in reproductive endocrinology and menopause
Doctor profile
Fertility and Genetics Center
