A guide to interpreting semen analysis results

When you’re struggling to conceive, infertility testing can help you and your doctor find out why. During your fertility evaluation, Dr. David T. Vandermolen will order testing for both you and your partner. For the male partner, this step involves a semen analysis at our Northern Louisiana fertility center. Your semen analysis results can help you take the next step on your path to parenthood.

A quick look at this type of male fertility testing

Many people believe infertility only affects women. However, did you know that approximately one-half of cases involve male infertility?

A semen analysis allows Dr. Vandermolen to look for any issues that could reduce the chances of pregnancy. To conduct the test, the male partner will provide a semen sample to the laboratory for evaluation.

Discover how to read your semen analysis results

Once Dr. Vandermolen has the semen analysis results, he will review them with you and your partner. If he sees any abnormalities, our Northern Louisiana fertility center expert will likely make a referral to a urologist. This doctor specializes in the male reproductive system and can provide further testing.

A semen analysis looks at several measures of sperm health. Here is a general breakdown of what each of the semen analysis results mean.

Concentration of sperm. An acceptable level is at least 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Anything below that number is a low sperm count.

Morphology. Because the size and shape of sperm can affect the ability to fertilize an egg, we want to see normal shaped sperm at 4% or more.

Motility. Typically, doctors want the sample to have at least 50% active sperm.

Volume. This measure identifies how much semen the male partner provided. It should be at least 1.5 milliliters, or about half a teaspoon.

pH level. Having an abnormal pH can affect the health of sperm, making it too alkaline or too acidic. Normal pH ranges from 7.1 to 8.0.

Liquefaction time. Normal sperm should come out thick and liquify in about 20 minutes.

If you and your partner are struggling to have a baby, we can help. Our Northern Louisiana fertility center can provide fertility testing to identify both female and male infertility. Call our office to schedule a consultation appointment.