Semen analysis

A semen analysis involves the assessment of numerous specific characteristics of the semen sample and sperm within. Although over 15 paramaters are asessed and compared to the World Health Organisations (WHO) standards, the four main parameters include;

Density

This is a measure of the amount of sperm with an ejaculate sample. Normal range: >15 million sperm / ml.

Motility

This is a measure of the amount of moving sperm within a sample. A minimum of 40% of sperm should show movement, with a minimum of 32% showing good forward movement.

Morphology

At least 4% of the sperm should have a normal shape. Note that "normal" refers to the structural appearance of the sperm, i.e. head, neck and tail and not to the chromosome / genetic potential of the sperm.

Antibodies

Men may produce a defence mechanism called anti-sperm antibodies which react with, and this may adversely affect their sperm.