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A semen analysis measures the amount of semen a man produces and determines the number and quality of sperm in the semen sample.

A semen analysis is should the first test done to help determine whether a man has a problem fathering a child (infertility). A problem with the semen or sperm affects more than one-third of the couples who are unable to have children (infertile).

Tests that may be done during a semen analysis include:

• Volume: This is a measure of how much semen is present in one ejaculation.


• Liquefaction Time: Semen is a thick gel at the time of ejaculation and normally becomes liquid within 20 minutes after ejaculation. Liquefaction time is a measure of the time it takes for the semen to liquefy.


• Sperm Count: This is a count of the number of sperm present per milliliter (mL) of semen in one ejaculation.
  
  
• Sperm Morphology: This is a measure of the percentage of sperm that have a normal shape.
  
  
• Sperm Motility: This is a measure of the percentage of sperm that can move forward normally. The number of sperm that show normal forward movement in a certain amount of semen can also be measured (motile density).
  
  
• pH: This is a measure of the acidity (low pH) or alkalinity (high pH) of the semen.
  
  
• White Blood Cell Count: White blood cells are not normally present in semen.

A semen analysis is done to determine whether:

• A man has a reproductive problem that is causing infertility.

• A vasectomy has been successful.

• The reversal of a vasectomy has been successful.

You should avoid any sexual activity that results in ejaculation for 2 to 5 days before a semen analysis. This helps ensure that your sperm count will be at its highest, and it improves the reliability of the test. A long period of sexual inactivity can result in poor results.

Tell your health professional about any medications or herbal supplements you are taking.

You will need to produce a semen sample, by ejaculating into a clean sample cup. You can do this in the private rooms at Kettering Reproductive Medicine. If you live close to KRM's Laboratory office, you may be able to collect the semen sample at home and then transport it to the office or clinic for testing, however the pre-tested container must be obtained from KRM.