sperm analysis
Last reviewed 01/2018
Analysis of seminal fluid should be the first step in the investigation of infertility since, in the absence of sperm, investigation of the female is futile.
Procedure:
- 3 days abstinence from intercourse
- collection of specimen of semen in a sterile plastic container after masturbation
- examine within 2 hours
NICE state that normal results are:
- Semen analysis
- the results of semen analysis conducted as part of an initial assessment
should be compared with the following World Health Organization reference
values:
- semen volume: 1.5 ml or more
- pH: 7.2 or more
- sperm concentration: 15 million spermatozoa per ml or more total
- sperm number: 39 million spermatozoa per ejaculate or more
- total motility (percentage of progressive motility and non-progressive motility): 40% or more motile or 32% or more with progressive motility
- vitality: 58% or more
- live spermatozoa sperm morphology (percentage of normal forms): 4% or more
- the results of semen analysis conducted as part of an initial assessment
should be compared with the following World Health Organization reference
values:
Reference: