Testing your sperm health is an essential step if you and your partner are struggling to conceive. A semen analysis can provide a clear picture of your fertility and identify areas to improve your chances of growing your family.
Essential Info
• Semen analysis evaluates sperm quality, including count, motility, and morphology.
• Tests can be done at home or in a clinical setting.
• Abnormal results may require further testing three months later, as sperm have a 90-day life cycle.
What is a Semen Analysis?
A semen analysis tests the quality of your sperm within a semen sample. To clarify:
• Sperm are the reproductive cells.
• Semen is the fluid (ejaculate) that carries sperm to fertilise an egg.
During the test, specialists will evaluate several key factors to determine the health of your sperm:
1. Sperm Count: This is the number of sperm in your semen. A normal count is between 40 and 50 million sperm per millilitre, while anything below 15 million is considered low.
2. Sperm Motility: This measures how well sperm swim in a straight line, which is essential for reaching the egg.
3. Sperm Morphology: This refers to the shape of your sperm, checking for defects in the head, body, or tail.
4. pH Levels: Semen should have a pH between 7.2 and 7.8. A more acidic environment can harm sperm.
5. Liquefaction: Semen should transform from a sticky substance to a liquid within 20 minutes.
6. Sperm Vitality: This measures how many sperm in your sample are alive. Some dead sperm are normal.
7. White Blood Cells: Their presence may indicate infection or inflammation.
How is a Semen Analysis Performed?
The process is simple and can be done at a clinic, diagnostic centre, or at home:
• Abstain from ejaculation for 3–5 days before the test.
• Produce a semen sample by masturbating into a sterile container.
• The sample is analysed in a lab against World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.
• Results are typically ready within 1–2 hours and will be shared by your GP or fertility specialist.
What Happens if the Results are Abnormal?
If your semen analysis shows abnormalities, don’t panic. This doesn’t automatically mean you’re infertile. Sperm health can fluctuate, so your specialist may recommend:
• Retesting: Usually after three months, as sperm regenerate over a 90-day cycle.
• Supplements: To improve sperm quality through better nutrition and lifestyle choices.
• Further Tests: To rule out underlying conditions like hormonal imbalances or infections.
Where Can You Get a Semen Analysis?
You can arrange a semen analysis through the following:
• Your GP: NHS referrals are typically free but may involve longer waiting times.
• Fertility Clinics or Andrology Labs: Private clinics often provide more in-depth analysis.
• At-Home Tests: Clinical-grade kits allow you to collect a sample at home and send it to a certified lab for analysis.
For more accurate results, specialist testing is generally recommended over at-home kits
How to Recognise Healthy Semen
While a semen analysis is the gold standard, observing your ejaculate can provide some initial insights. Healthy semen should be:
• White-greyish or cloudy in colour with a pearl-like appearance.
• Thick and jelly-like initially, liquefying within 20 minutes.
• Alkaline, with a mild bleach-like smell.
If your semen shows unusual characteristics, such as:
• Blood-stained or discoloured (e.g., green or dark yellow).
• Offensive-smelling.
Or if you experience additional symptoms like pain during urination, testicular pain, or persistent changes, seek medical advice promptly
Conclusion
A semen analysis is a straightforward and highly informative test to evaluate your fertility. Understanding the health of your sperm can help you take the right steps towards conception. For expert advice, consult your GP or visit the NHS guide to male fertility for more information.