Semen analysis results can sometimes be confusing
When you and your partner are seeking help with fertility, the male partner will typically undergo a semen analysis test. Since male infertility can account for up to 40-50% of fertility issues, it’s one of the first steps we advise to detect fertility issues. However, the scientific terminology used in a semen analysis report can be confusing. It’s helpful to understand semen analysis results and what the potential diagnoses mean.
Common semen analysis results explained
A semen analysis looks at the volume and quality of your sperm. The test involves collecting a semen sample and evaluating it in a lab. After collection, an andrologist will examine your semen sample under a microscope. Specifically, the lab evaluates the volume of your semen, how many sperm are in it (count), how your sperm move (motility), and how your sperm are shaped (morphology). Additionally, a semen analysis also looks for abnormalities in pH levels and the presence of white blood cells that can indicate underlying health issues.
Based on their findings, you may receive one or more of these common male fertility diagnoses in your semen analysis results:
- Oligospermia, also known as low sperm count, refers to a condition where your semen has fewer sperm cells than is considered normal. Low sperm count can impact fertility and make it harder to get pregnant. A normal sperm count is in the range of 20 to 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen. If you are diagnosed with oligospermia it means you have a total motile count of fewer than 20 million. Severe oligospermia is defined as fewer than one million motile sperm.
- Asthenozoospermia is a condition where sperm have reduced motility, meaning they have difficulty moving or swimming efficiently. This reduced motility can significantly impact your fertility and ability to fertilize an egg.
- Teratozoospermia is characterized by a high percentage of abnormally shaped sperm. These morphology abnormalities, which can affect the head, midpiece, or tail of the sperm, make it difficult for sperm to successfully penetrate and fertilize the egg.
- Azoospermia is the diagnoses used when there are no sperm present in the ejaculate. It can be a common cause of male infertility.
- Pyospermia, also known as leukocytospermia, is a condition characterized by an abnormally high number of white blood cells in your semen. A high white blood cell count can be a sign of infection or inflammation in the male reproductive tract and can negatively impact sperm function and fertility.
- Potential pH imbalances in the semen can make it difficult for sperm to survive and fertilize an egg. If semen pH is outside the normal range, further testing and evaluation may be necessary to identify underlying causes, such as infections, blockages, or prostate issues.
Other considerations to think about after receiving your semen analysis results
It is important to note that semen analysis results vary over time. While a single semen analysis can provide important information, repeat semen analysis is equally important. This is because the amount of sperm you have in your ejaculate naturally goes up and down. Additionally, your sperm quality can fluctuate due to various factors, including lifestyle habits, medical conditions, and environmental influences.
Even with a diagnosis that may sound dire, you should be aware that not all abnormal results mean infertility. Even with a slightly lower sperm count or motility you can still be fertile. And many problems with sperm found through a semen analysis can be corrected through treatment and lifestyle changes. Additionally, advanced reproductive technologies, such as intrauterine insemination or IVF can overcome many sperm related obstacles to pregnancy.
If you have concerns about your semen analysis results, it’s crucial to discuss them with your Fertility Answers care provider. They can help you understand the results, determine if further testing is needed, and discuss any potential treatment options.
