Semen Analysis

Semen analysis is one of the simplest and relatively inexpensive approaches to infertility. Because half of all known infertility causes are linked to male-factor issues, a semen analysis typically is the first step a couple takes when beginning to explore assisted reproduction. Volume, count, movement and shape are all examined through semen analyses, which often are considered diagnostic tests.

What is a Semen Analysis?

A semen analysis is a laboratory test that evaluates male fertility by examining key characteristics of semen and sperm. A thorough evaluation of sperm requires two methods:

Basic Analysis

Basic Analysis shows how many total sperm are present (for example, 25 million), what percentage of the sperm are moving (motility), and how well they are moving (progression).

Strict Criteria Morphology

Strict Criteria Morphology helps determine what percentage of the sperm are shaped normally. A normal semen analysis ranges from 20-200 million per milliliter with at least 50 percent moving, and at least 14 out of every 100 shaped appropriately.

How to Prepare for Semen Analysis

It is recommended that men abstain from sex and ejaculation for 2 to 4 days prior to collecting a semen sample specimen, but abstaining longer than 4 days may have adverse effects on the motility of the specimen collected. A semen sample must be collected in a sterile specimen container which is available through medical offices like the Fertility Center. For men who wish to collect a semen sample at the Fertility Center, a private gentlemen’s lounge is available at our Chattanooga location. Results from a semen analysis typically are available within 10-14 days.

Can I Collect Semen at Home?

The specimen may be collected at home as long as it is delivered to the lab within one hour of collection. A specimen also must be maintained as close to body temperature as possible during transport since extremes in temperature are detrimental to sperm survival. As a reminder, an appointment must be scheduled prior to drop off. 

How to Read Your Results

Some of the male-factor infertility issues that can be identified during a semen analysis  include: azospermia (no sperm), oligospermia (sperm present in low concentrations), asthenospermia (sperm with poor motility or movement), and teratospermia (sperm with poor morphology or shape). Another discovery may be antisperm antibodies produced by the immune system which mistake sperm for an invading substance and begin attacking them, often causing the sperm to clump together, lose motility or lose the ability to fertilize an egg.

Alternate Sperm Extraction Procedures

Alternate procedures are required to extract sperm from men whose reproductive ducts are blocked, those who have had a vasectomy, or have no living sperm in their ejaculate. Viable sperm often can be collected directly from the testes, which store and nourish sperm, through aspiration or testicular biopsy while the patient is under anesthesia. These procedures include percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and testicular sperm aspiration (TESA).

Discuss Your Options with Fertility Center

For more information about our semen analysis process, fill out the form below to get in touch with our team.