Semen Analysis Test
Dr. Sreelekha DaruvariLast Updated on 11th February 2022Table of contents
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What is Semen analysis test used for?
- The Semen analysis test is a tool to assess male infertility when a couple faces difficulty getting pregnant. This test helps determine whether a problem is in the sperm, causing infertility.
- Routine semen analysis provides valuable information on sperm motility and viability, sperm production,
- The test can also be used to determine whether a vasectomy was successful. A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that prevents pregnancy by preventing sperm release during sex.
What is included in the Semen analysis test?
- Semen volume, low sperm volume indicate a lack of sperm to fertilise an egg. An increase in fluid volume may indicate that the amount of sperm present is diluted.
- Sperm count, also known as sperm density, is the number of sperm per million per milliliter.
- Sperm movement, also known as motility,is given as grades/rated on a scale of 0-4 A score of 0 indicates that the sperm are not moving, while a score of 3 or 4 indicates that the sperm are moving well.
- Sperm shape is also known as the morphology of sperm. Any irregularities in the head, midsection, or tail of the sperm are seen. It’s also possible that the sperm is still not mature and thus incapable of fertilising an egg.
- The presence of more white blood cells (WBC) may indicate an underlying infection.
Procedure for Semen analysis test
This test requires a semen sample, which self collects either at home or at the laboratory.
- Use a private room to masturbate and collect the fluid or sample into a clean, sterile collection container.
- Do not use any lubricants while collecting the sample.
- Person should be abstinent from sex for 2-3 days to ensure quality and quantity
- The sample should be processed with in body temperature
- After collecting the sample, the sperm must be delivered to the testing lab within 30 minutes.
- Talk to your physician if you have questions or concerns about providing your sample.
- With the help of state-of-the-art technology, the sample will be analysed by the lab technician.
- Once the analysis is completed, the results will be available on the MFine app within the next 24-48 hours.
How to prepare for the Semen analysis test?
- This test is a relatively simple procedure and does not require special preparation.
- Before the procedure, please inform the doctor of any hormonal, herbal, or prescription medication.
- It is recommended to abstain from masturbating or having sex for a few days before the test. This will help to ensure that your sperm count is at its peak.
- Before the sperm analysis, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and marijuana.
- Avoid taking any hormonal medications that will directly affect the test results.
- Avoid giving the sample when you are ill or stressed.
Things to consider after the Semen analysis test is complete
- Once the test results are available, a general physician or surgeon in your city will review your reports and discuss the diagnosis with you.
- If the levels are abnormal, they will recommend and guide you through the treatment plan and any subsequent follow-ups or refer you to a fertility specialist. This test may require repetitions as the sperm count, and quality vary daily. The doctor may advise you to have additional tests.
- Please do not attempt to self-diagnose your medical condition.
What types of infection can the Semen analysis test detect?
The presence of abnormally high numbers of white blood cells (WBCs) or red blood cells (RBCs) indicates inflammation in the sperm.
- Leukocytospermia is a condition characterised by an abnormally high number of white blood cells in the sperm, impairing male fertility. Leukocytospermia weakens and damages the sperm’s genetic material. Pyospermia (also known as Pyospermia) is a condition in which the sperm contains an abnormally high number of white blood cells
- Hematospermia are defined as the presence of abnormally high red blood cell concentration in semen.
- Asthenozoospermia is a decrease in sperm movement caused by various factors, and treatment depends on the underlying cause.
How much does the Semen analysis test cost?*
Through the MFine app, you can now book semen analysis tests from certified lab partners in your city. Some of the certified lab partners of MFine for semen analysis test are Prima Diagnostics, 5th Vital Labs, Aster Labs, Aarthi Diagnostics and more. All MFine lab partners are NABL certified. The average semen analysis test cost would be anything between 220 to 700.
*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.
How long does it take to get the results for Semen analysis test?
You can expect to get the results for semen analysis test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in some instances, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.
What do abnormal Semen analysis test results indicate?
Abnormal results are shown as an increase or decrease in the parameters are best interpreted by the doctor.
- Volume: Normal values are more than 1.5 ml. Low sperm volume indicates a lack of sperm.
- pH:The normal pH range is 7.2 to 7.8. A pH greater than 8 indicates infection, which may require further tests and appropriate treatment by medications. A pH less than 7 may indicate blocked ejaculatory ducts, causing infertility.
- Total sperm count: 39 million sperm or more per ejaculate. Conceiving can be difficult if the sperm density is low.
- Vitality: Fertilization necessitates more than 58 percent live sperm.
- Morphology: More than 60 percent of normal sperm is good. Abnormally shaped sperms decrease the chances of fertility.
- Motility: More than 60 percent of sperm should move normally an hour after ejaculation.
If you have taken the test to determine the presence of sperm after your vasectomy procedure, the presence or absence of any sperm is seen. If the test shows no sperm, the vasectomy procedure was successful. If sperm is found, you may need to repeat the test until your sample is sperm-free.
Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor to interpret the test reports.
Is Semen analysis a definitive test?
Semen analysis is an excellent indicator of male fertility. It shows the quality and quantity of sperm in the semen. However, the results are not definitive, and additional tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis and the actual cause of infertility. The results also vary if the complete sample is not collected or due to underlying hormonal conditions. Therefore, it is advised to visit your doctor to understand the problem and get it diagnosed at the earliest.
How to read the Semen analysis report?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has established standard reference values for sperm analysis.
Parameters | Normal values | Abnormal values |
Volume | More than 15 million per ml | Less than 15 million per ml |
pH | Between 7.2 and 7.8 | Below 7.0 or above 8.0 |
Appearance | Whitish opalescent | Yellowish or brownish |
Total sperm count | 39 million to 200 million spermatozoa | Below 15 million |
Liquefaction time | 20-30 minutes after collection | Above 30 minutes |
Morphology | More than 50 percent normal forms | Less than 50 percent normal forms |
Vitality | More than 35 – 70 percent | Less than 35 |
Viscosity | Less than 2 cm after liquefaction within 20 to 30 mins | More than 2 cm 30 mins after ejaculation |
Motility | More than 40-80 percent with forward movement | Less than 40 percent |
WBC | No WBC or bacteria found | Bacteria or large number of WBC present |
RBC | No RBC seen | RBC present |
When tested after a vasectomy procedure, NIL sperm count suggests successful vasectomy.
If your semen analysis results do not lie within the normal range, then your doctor might ask you to repeat the test after a few days or months. If your total volume is less, your doctor may ask you to get a urine examination and additional examinations done.
You should not self-assess the results but always visit the doctor with your reports for interpretation.
Why book a Semen analysis test?
When a couple experiences infertility issues, the doctor usually advises both partners to undergo tests. Male infertility is assessed by checking the detailed medical history, a complete physical examination, and semen analysis.
Semen has two significant attributes:
- A total number of sperm shows sperm production by testes and whether an obstruction is present.
- Total fluid volume reflects the secretory activity of the accessory glands (such as the prostate)
Semen analysis helps:
- To screen for any infertility in male
- To detect any sperm-related diseases like leukocytospermia, hematospermia.
- To monitor the individual’s response to the current medications and to understand the efficacy of the treatment.
- To see the success after vasectomy procedure for couples who do not wish to conceive.
Semen analysis test at home – how does it work?
A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. You can hand over the sample collected in a clean sterile container to our licensed lab technician, who will take the sample from your home at the chosen or booked slot. The sample has to reach the lab within 30 minutes-1 hr of ejaculation for accurate results.
Are there any risks involved with Semen analysis?
Semen analysis is a straightforward screening procedure that involves collecting a semen sample by self and analysing it in a lab. Therefore, it does not involve any risks but gives a lot of useful information about a man’s sperm. The test also determines whether a vasectomy was successful.
However, semen analysis cannot assess:
- Spermatozoa changes that can occur in the female reproductive tract.
- The capacity of the sperm’s protein binding and penetration.
- Ability of sperm to fertilise the ovum.
What can affect the results for Semen analysis?
The following parameters may affect the result of your test:
- Incomplete semen collection or loss of part of the sample during collection.
- The results may differ depending on age, gender, and general health.
- Using condoms or lubricants, which can impair sperm motility.
- The use of alcohol.
- Cigarette smoking.
- Drug use for recreation.
- Certain herbal medications and supplements.
- Prescribed hormone medications.
- Duration of abstinence.
- Time required to bring the sample to the lab.
- Changes in temperature of the sample.
- Overweight.
- Stress at the time of providing the sample.
- Caffeine consumption.
For further assistance
Frequently asked questions | FAQs
Is the lab technician coming for Semen analysis sample collection vaccinated?
Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety by wearing a mask, gloves and frequently sanitising themselves during the sample collection.
Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?
Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result and the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.
How can I download my Semen analysis test report?
- Login to MFine
- Go to your profile
- Click on Attachment and Reports
- Click on Lab Report
- Download the report
Are there any discount offers running on the Semen analysis test?
Usually, you can avail of up to a 50% discount on Semen analysis through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.
Any further test is required if the infection is seen in the report?
Bacteria that cause sperm contamination typically originate in the urinary tract of patients. Escherichia coli is the most common microorganism responsible for infection in genital tract or semen contamination. A sperm culture test is recommended to identify the organism responsible for infection.
Is there an impact on fertility if the semen is thick?
Semen is naturally thick, and it takes around 15 to 30 minutes to turn into a watery consistency, which helps sperm move. Fertility is impacted if this is not achieved.
Why is the semen analysis test done?
Semen analysis test is done to assess male fertility. It checks the sperm count and motility of sperm, along with the amount of semen produced in short quality and quantity.
Does masturbating frequently reduce sperm count?
No, this does not affect sperm count or your ability to make a woman fertile.
If my sperm analysis report is not normal, does it mean I am infertile?
If your sperm analysis report is not normal, it suggests that you might have difficulty in getting your partner pregnant. However, you should visit your doctor to interpret the results and discuss the future course of treatment.
Is more than one sample required for analysis?
Yes. To get more accurate results, the doctor may suggest more than one sample or give another sample over a few days
Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.