Semen Analysis in Belfast
What a Semen Analysis reveals about Male Fertility
For many, a semen analysis is usually the first step in understanding their fertility. This simple, non-invasive test provides a foundational look at male reproductive health and is a crucial part of any fertility journey.
What does a Semen Analysis measure?
Semen is the fluid released during ejaculation that contains sperm along with proteins, sugars, vitamins, and minerals that nourish the sperm on its journey to reach the egg. A semen analysis measures key characteristics to tell you if they are within a healthy, fertile range.
- Volume: How much semen is produced. Semen volume should be ≥1.4ml.
- Total Sperm Count: The total number of sperm. Normal values are ≥39 million.
- Sperm Count per ml: normal values are ≥16M/ml.
- Total Motility: this is the number of moving sperm in the ejaculate. A normal value is ≥42%.
- Progressive Motility: The percentage of sperm that are moving forward. A normal value is ≥30%.
- Morphology: The size and shape of the sperm. Healthy semen should contain more than 4% sperm with normal morphology.
What to do after a Semen Analysis Test?
Sperm are produced in the testes through a continuous process that takes around three months from start to finish. Because of this cycle, lifestyle changes you make today – such as improving your diet, exercising regularly, or reducing alcohol intake – can positively influence your sperm quality in just a few months. Discover simple lifestyle changes you can do to improve your sperm quality.
While a semen analysis provides a good overview, it doesn’t give you the full picture. In fact, up to 25% of men with a “normal” semen analysis may still experience fertility challenges because of underlying sperm DNA damage. That’s why our fertility experts recommend combining a semen analysis with our Exact® or Extend® tests to get a complete picture of your fertility and guide you to the best path forward.
Book a Semen Analysis Test in Belfast
We offer semen analysis service at our Belfast hub for men across Ireland. Facilities are available for men to produce their samples on-site. For more information, see our Examen Belfast page here.
Our lab is ISO-accredited, and your sample will be analysed according to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines (6th edition, 2021) for semen analysis. Your results will be issued directly to you via secure, encrypted email.