How to Read a Sperm Analysis Report

A semen analysis report is used to provide information regarding fertility by assessing sperm count, motility, and morphology. Results that fall below the average range may cause concern, but are not indicative of infertility. 

In learning to correctly read sperm count results, you can manage fertility. So let us show you how to properly read a sperm analysis report and understand what it means.

What Is a Semen Analysis?

A semen analysis is a medical procedure that assesses different parameters of a person’s semen sample to determine their fertility. This process is typically done to confirm the success of a vasectomy, during the process of trying to conceive.

Semen analyses evaluate many attributes, but the main ones are sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology because they are central the key factors that affect a person's fertility. 

Sperm Count

Sperm count checks to see how concentrated sperm are in a semen sample. Fewer sperm in the semen mean a low sperm count, and more sperm mean a higher count.

Sperm Motility

Motility refers to movement. In this case, it is about the sperm’s ability to move freely, and more importantly how likely it is to make its way past the cervix in order to fertilize an egg. 

Sperm Morphology

This refers to the biological structure that makes sperm viable for fertilization. Sperm morphology has to do with the consistency of this structure, in each individual sperm. Some sperm show abnormalities that prove problematic when they are trying to fertilize an egg.

What to Expect During Semen Analysis Process

Collecting a semen sample is the first step, typically requiring an individual to masturbate and ejaculate into a sterile container, at home or at a fertility clinic in a private room.

A lab then takes the sample for assessment. A full lab analysis assesses broader parameters, giving  detailed results. Results are usually available within a few days, but it depends on the type of test being used to do the analysis, as well, the lab doing the analysis. 

There are at-home semen analysis kits for those who prefer to go through the process more privately. They are effective in assessing both sperm count and motility, two key contributors to fertility. 

Understanding Your Semen Analysis Report

The lab-based results of a semen analysis have a few additional elements than an at-home test gives.  These are key in giving you more insight and a better understanding of your fertility. So let us get started.

Semen Ejaculate Volume

A normal ejaculation typically has two to five milliliters of semen. A lower semen volume is not a typical cause of infertility. In fact according to one investigation, it is usually linked to an underlying condition like hypogonadism, absence of the seminal vesicle, or a blockage of the ejaculatory duct.

Sperm Concentration

A healthy ejaculation should contain at least 39 million sperm with 58 percent or more of these continuing to live. The total number of sperm in the semen sample is a good indication of how densely concentrated the sperm produced in the body is.

Sperm Motility

Beyond staying alive, sperm need to move independently if they are to succeed in fertilizing an egg. Sperm motility has two main parameters, one shows overall motility and another shows progressive motility, that is, forward motion. In healthy sperm, overall motility is rated at about 40 percent, while progressive motility is rated around 32 percent or higher.

Sperm Morphology

The structure of sperm can sometimes present in abnormal shapes or appear fused - when two or more sperm cells look like they are conjoined. Typical healthy morphology is about four percent of the sperm in a sample having a normal structure and appearance. Meaning that sperm presenting with these anomalies can still lead to a healthy pregnancy.

Sperm Count and Fertility

Sperm count is the most commonly discussed metric for fertility in males. Important as it is, it is only one of the various factors that impacts fertility. 

One study found that to a point, higher sperm count was linked to higher levels of fertility, and higher concentrations of sperm were linked to increased fertility. Sperm counts ranging beyond 40 million/milliliter had increasingly lower fertility outcomes.

How to Increase Sperm Count

Intentional, simple and consistent lifestyle changes have produced positive results in some individuals who previously had a low sperm count according to their semen analysis.

Some effective ways of increasing one’s sperm count include:

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Increasing zinc and folate intake
• Getting sufficient sleep
• Abstaining from alcohol and smoking
• Regular exercise
• Losing weight
• Stress management

Summing It Up

Results of semen analysis give valuable insight and as part of any fertility testing or reproductive health assessment, they play an important part.

Semen analysis results are however not predictive of the outcome for a natural pregnancy. There are people with normal test results who end up struggling to conceive, and others with below-average results proceeding to conceive with their partner.

Additionally, semen analysis reports can offer useful information regarding issues that could potentially arise along the way, and in turn give direction to appropriate courses of treatment.

If you have more questions about fertility, or concerns about infertility  contact Nevada Center For Reproductive Medicine for a variety of reproductive health services.