Lab

Semen Analysis

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Semen Analysis, Sperm Analysis, Sperm Exam, Sperm Count, Sperm Motility, Sperm Morphology, Oligospermia, Asthenozoospermia, Teratozoospermia, QAT Syndrome, Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia Syndrome

  • Technique
  • Sample Collection
  1. Man avoids masturbation and intercourse for 48-72 hours
  2. Sample delivered within 2 hours of ejaculation
    1. Keep sample cool in refrigerator
    2. Some labs require sample within 45 minutes
  3. Repeat abnormal samples in 2-3 months at special lab
    1. Three month interval between tests reflects a >2 month sperm generation time
  • Labs
  • Normal Samples (Reference Ranges)
  1. Volume: >1.5 to 2 ml or higher
  2. pH: 7.2 or higher
  3. Sperm concentration: >15-20 million per ml
  4. Total sperm number: >40 mIllion per ejaculate
  5. Initial Sperm Motility >50%
  6. Total Sperm Motility: >40%
  7. Progressive motility (forward movement): >32%
  8. Normal Sperm Morphology: >4-14% strictly normal
  9. Vitality: 58%
  10. White Blood Cells <1 Million per ml
  • Interpretation
  • Definitions
  1. Oligospermia
    1. Sperm Count <15 million per ml
    2. Suggests Hypogonadism (see Male Infertility for evaluation)
  2. Asthenozoospermia
    1. Sperm Motility in <40%
  3. Teratozoospermia
    1. Normal morphology <4%
  4. Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia Syndrome (OAT Syndrome)
    1. All three abnormalities (Oligospermia, Asthenozoospermia and Teratozoospermia) are present
    2. Suggests genetic etiology for Infertility
  • Interpretation
  • Findings predictive of fertility
  1. Sperm Count (concentration): >48 million per ml
  2. Initial Sperm Motility: >63%
  3. Normal Sperm Morphology: >12%
  1. Sperm Count (concentration): <13.5 million per ml
  2. Initial Sperm Motility: <32%
  3. Normal Sperm Morphology: <9%
  • References
  1. Cooper (2010) Hum Reprod Update 16(3): 231-45 [PubMed]
  2. Guzick (2001) N Engl J Med 345:1388-93 [PubMed]