Semen Analysis
Tests / Assessments
A semen analysis evaluates certain parameters of the seminal fluid and the spermatozoa within the fluid that help to identify a man’s fertility. As semen parameters decreases in quality, the statistical chance of conception decreases but rarely reaches zero. Nevertheless, an accurately performed semen analysis remains an important tool for the evaluation of the infertile male.
In a conventional semen analysis, parameters that are evaluated are
- Physical characteristics of the freshly ejaculated semen (example: seminal volume, pH, liquefaction period, viscosity of the semen and appearance of the semen)
- Sperm concentration
- Sperm motility
- Sperm viability
- Sperm morphology
- Identification of non-spermatozoidal cells (if applies)
- Anti-sperm antibodies (if applies)
All of the above parameters are evaluated using recommended semen analysis tools and are visualized on a phase contrast microscope (for better visualization) at 400X and 1000X magnifications. By applying these magnifications, a more accurate result can be obtained.
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| Phase contrast microscope to view semen sample under high magnification. |
A normal semen analysis is based on the World Health Organization (4th Edition) standards which are widely used all around the world.
Table 4.1: World Health Organization (WHO) normal values for semen analysis
| Parameter | Normal value |
| Volume | More than 2mls |
| pH | More than 7.2 |
| Liquefaction period | Complete within 60 minutes at room temperature |
| Viscosity | Semen leaves a pipette as discrete droplets |
| Appearance | Homogenous, gray and opalescent |
| Concentration | More than 20 million sperm / ml |
| Total concentration | More than 40 million sperm / ml |
| Motility | 50% or more with forward progression |
| Viability | More than 50% viable |
| Morphology | 15% or more with normal forms based on Kruger strict criteria |
| Non-spermatozoidal cells | Less than 1 million cells / ml |
| Immunobead test | Less than 50% motile sperm with adherent particle |
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| Normal human sperm morphology. |
After all parameters have been evaluated, the semen quality is then interpreted into categories below:
| Normozoospermia | Normal parameters based on Table 4.1 |
| Oligozoospermia | Concentration less than 20 million / ml |
| Asthenozoospermia | Motile spermatozoa less than 50% |
| Teratozoospermia | Less than 15% spermatozoa with normal forms |
| Double defects sample | A combination of 2 abnormal values |
| Triple defects sample | All parameters (concentration, motility andmorphology) have abnormal values |
| Necrozoospermia | Semen sample with no motile or viable spermatozoa |
| Azoospermia | No spermatozoa present in the ejaculate |
| Aspermia | Complete absence of semen |
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