How to Read a Sperm Analysis Report

Male infertility is more prevalent than many talk about and a sperm analysis is one of the tests done to check the health of the sperm. A sperm analysis looks at an assigned male at birth’s semen and it can be done in a fertility clinic and while the healthcare professionals can explain the results, it’s also great to understand what the report says. 

Key Takeaways

• A semen analysis report can give you insight into fertility through key metrics like sperm count, motility, and morphology.
• Below-average results on a semen analysis report do not necessarily guarantee a person will struggle with infertility. Still, it can direct treatment and planning for those who are experiencing it.
• In many cases, low sperm count can be reversed with the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits.

What Is Semen?

Semen is a whitish-gray fluid released from a penis after a male has an orgasm. This fluid contains sperm (male reproductive cells), fluids that lubricate the urethra and make it possible to deposit sperm in a vagina, and nutrients (proteins, vitamins, and minerals) that fuel the sperm cells.

What is sperm?

Sperm is produced in the testicles and released during ejaculation. They are found in semen and are the male sex cells that carry genetic information responsible for reproduction. The sperm contains:

• The head: This has DNA and acrosomes that help penetrate the egg
• Middle: This part has mitochondria that provide energy for the tail 
• Tail: This moves the sperm towards the egg when ejaculated in a vagina

How is a sperm analysis done?

A semen analysis is quite a simple procedure.  It is usually done at a fertility clinic like Dallas IVF, although there are at-home analysis kits for those who would prefer the privacy of their homes. The healthcare professional involved takes a sample of semen from a male and looks at different areas to gain more knowledge about fertility such as sperm count, sperm motility (activity), and sperm shape (morphology). 

The analysis can be done at any time but most do it when faced with infertility or following a vasectomy to confirm if the procedure was effective. The sperm is collected and sent to a laboratory where the sample is tested. 

To get the sample, one is required to masturbate and ejaculate into a sterile container, after which it is handed off to the lab for assessment. Results are usually available within a few days, depending on the type of test used and the lab analyzing it.

What is found in a sperm analysis?

The sperm analysis report has a few key areas that you will need to understand. 

Sperm Concentration

According to the National Institutes of Health, a healthy ejaculation usually contains at least 39 million sperm, of which 58 percent or more should live. Healthcare professionals look at concentration to gain a better understanding of how densely concentrated the sperm are in the sample. 

Semen Ejaculate Volume

On the other hand, the average ejaculation has between 2 and 5 milliliters of semen. A 2009 study found that low ejaculate volume can be connected to underlying conditions like hypogonadism, absence of the seminal vesicle, or a blockage of the ejaculatory duct. This shows that low ejaculate volume may not necessarily cause infertility.

Sperm Motility

Fertilization largely depends on how fast sperm move towards the egg. This is what is known as sperm motility. 

There are two main types of sperm motility: 

• Progressive motility refers to the sperm’s ability to move in straight lines or large circles.
• Non-Progressive motility where sperm don’t move in straight lines but in very small circles.

For successful fertilization to occur, sperm must have progression motility which allows them to move at least 25 micrometers per second, through the cervical mucus to reach and fertilize an egg. The NIH states total motility is normally around 40 percent, while progressive motility typically hovers around 32 percent or higher in healthy samples.

Sperm Morphology

Sperm morphology refers to the size and shape of the sperm. In some circumstances, sperm can develop in abnormal shapes or appear similar to two or more sperm cells fused. Though sperm can present in this way, it can still lead to a healthy pregnancy. The NIH says the threshold for healthy morphology is somewhere around 4 percent or more of the sperm in a sample having a normal structure and appearance.

During a sperm analysis, the test checks how consistent the sperm’s biological structures are with typical semen as some sperm have anomalies that could be problematic when trying to fertilize an egg.

pH scale

The pH scale refers to whether the semen is acidic or alkaline. The normal pH range for semen is between 7.2 and 8.0. This means that healthy sperm should reside in a slightly alkaline environment. A semen sample that’s too acidic can affect the health of your sperm and reduce one’s chances of having a successful pregnancy. 

Time to liquefaction

Time to liquefaction refers to the time it takes for semen to liquefy after ejaculation. During ejaculation, semen should come out thick and a sperm analysis measures how long it takes before your semen becomes liquid. Normally, this process takes about 20 minutes. If the liquefaction process takes longer or your semen doesn’t become liquid at all, there could be a problem that needs rectification.

Sperm Count and Fertility

Sperm count is an important factor when it comes to male infertility and different studies have shown that higher sperm count is associated with higher levels of fertility in those studied. In other words, males with higher concentrations of sperm (up to 40 million per milliliter) have increased fertility.

Bottom Line

There are several factors that can affect a man’s fertility. A semen analysis is used to rule out that sperm is the issue. It offers insight into any infertility challenges someone may be facing. However, it’s important to note that the absence of sperm or low sperm numbers does not necessarily indicate that a man is infertile. It could point to a hindrance to the production or delivery of the sperm.