Understanding Your Semen Analysis Results

A semen analysis is a great first step in understanding your fertility. It can help identify some of the factors that may be preventing you from conceiving naturally. Your results will show how your sample compares to an average fertile male, but remember, this is just one piece of the puzzle.

What does a Semen Analysis Report measure?

Sperm Concentration
Sperm Motility
Sperm Morphology

According to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines 2021, our results should be above certain values to be considered healthy.

Semen Analysis Report (Example)

The results on this page are examples only, and your individual results will be different.

Semen Analysis Results Overview - Examen

(Table below best viewed in landscape)

Category	Patient Result	Normal Range	Status
Sperm Concentration (M/mL)	25M/mL	>=16M/mL	Within Normal Range
Progressive Motility (%)	50%	>=30%	Within Normal Range
Morphology – Normal Forms (%)	5.5%	>=4%	Within Normal Range
Volume (mL)	2.5mL	>=1.4mL	Within Normal Range
Total Sperm Count (million sperm)	62.5M	>=39M	Within Normal Range
Total Sperm Motility (%)	60%	>=42%	Within Normal Range
pH	8.6	>=7.2	Within Normal Range
Appearance	Normal	Macroscopically homogeneous, grey-opalescent appearance	Within Normal Range
Liquefaction Complete? (Yes/No)	Complete	Complete (within 30 minutes)	Within Normal Range
Viscosity	Normal	Falls from pipette as a discrete drop	Within Normal Range

Full Semen Analysis Results: This table presents the patient’s quantitative and qualitative semen parameters, comparing all results to the established World Health Organization (WHO) normal ranges.

Key Definitions and Normal WHO Reference Ranges

Sperm Count, Volume & Concentration

Sperm Count: The total number of sperm in your sample. A healthy total sperm count is typically 39 million or more.
Sperm Concentration: The number of sperm per millilitre (mL) of semen. A healthy concentration is considered to be 15 million or more per mL.
Semen Volume: The total amount of fluid you ejaculate. A healthy volume is categorised as 1.5 mL or more.

Sperm Motility

The sperm motility measures how well your sperm are moving. Your report will show two different results:

Total Sperm Motility: The total percentage of sperm that are moving. A healthy value is considered to be 42% or more.
Progressive Motility: The percentage of sperm that are moving in a forward, effective path. A healthy proportion is 30% or more.

Sperm Morphology

Sperm morphology is related to the shape and size of your sperm, including the head, neck, and tail. Having 4% or more of your sperm in a healthy shape and size is considered normal.

pH

The pH level measures the acidity or alkalinity of your semen. This is important because the environment needs to be suitable for sperm survival and activity. A pH value of 7.2 or higher is considered healthy.

Macroscopic Measurements

Appearance: The normal colour and opacity of the semen. Healthy semen has a macroscopically homogeneous, grey-opalescent appearance.
Liquefaction Complete?: After ejaculation, semen breaks down to allow sperm to move. This process typically occurs spontaneously within a set time. In healthy semen, it is completed at 37°C within 60 minutes.
Viscosity: The thickness or stickiness of the liquefied semen, measured by drawing it into a pipette and observing how it drips. In healthy semen, the column of fluid dripping from the pipette should be less than 2 cm (or flow freely).

Receiving and Interpreting Your Results

For clinical interpretation of your laboratory results (including Semen Analysis, Exact, and Extend tests) and advice on next steps, you should first contact your referring clinician. They are best equipped to review your results within the context of your and your partner’s full medical history.

If you are a self-referral or require general support regarding test cut-offs or other technical advice, please contact Examen directly on +44 (0)28 90 238915 or myresults@examenlab.com. We can arrange a consultation with one of our Clinical Advisory Consultants for an additional fee. This service requires further information from you.

What if my Semen Analysis Results are outside the Normal Range?

Having semen analysis results outside of the ‘normal’ range doesn’t mean you can’t have your own baby. Semen analysis is only one part of a fertility check. Your family doctor or clinician can help you understand your results and advise on positive lifestyle adjustments or further steps.

Visit the following link for more information on how to improve your sperm quality.