This is Blog #2 in our S.P.E.R.M Blog series for National Fertility Awareness Week 2023
A semen analysis evaluates certain parameters of semen and the sperm within it.. The sperm test report provides important information about your sperm’s potential to fertilise an egg. This helps us to come up with a treatment plan to give you the best chance of pregnancy.
So, what is being assessed?
#1 - Sample Volume
An ejaculate should contain at least 1.4mls; less may indicate a blockage in the ducts that help contribute to the ejaculate.
#2 - Concentration
Also called a sperm count, this is the number of sperm per millilitre (ml). Ww want to ideally see at least 16 million sperm/ml..
#3 - Motility
This is the percentage of sperm moving, graded from good motile sperm down to
completely non-motile sperm.
#4 - Morphology
This is the sperm shape, and classifies the percentage of normal-shaped sperm. Most fertile men have a minimum of 4% sperm with the correct shape.
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#5 - Round cells
These are non-sperm cells. If they are white blood cells, this could indicate there is an infection somewhere.
#6 - pH
A semen sample should be slightly alkaline with a pH higher than 7.2. If it is too alkaline or acidic, this might indicate a problem with the different glands that go to form the ejaculate or an infection.
#7 - Appearance
Semen should be white to greyish in colour. A red colour could indicate the presence of blood.
#8 - Liquefaction
A normal ejaculate takes around 20 minutes to liquefy..
Do you have any questions about sample collection?
We hope this blog has helped you with some facts about this process. For further information or to book a semen test please contact us on:
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