About

Semen analysis is the cornerstone of male infertility evaluation. This interpreter applies the World Health Organization (WHO) Laboratory Manual standards (6th Edition). It compares sample data against the lower reference limits (5th percentile) of the fertile population. Parameters include total fluid volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, and morphology. Understanding these metrics helps identify specific deficits, such as low count (Oligozoospermia) or poor shape (Teratozoospermia), which guide further urological or reproductive endocrinology interventions.

Formulas

Total Sperm Count is derived from volume and concentration:

TC = Volume × Concentration

Diagnoses are combinatorial:

Normozoospermia: All values ≥ Ref Limits.
Oligozoospermia: Count < Limit.
Asthenozoospermia: Motility < Limit.
Teratozoospermia: Morphology < Limit.

Reference Data

Parameter	Lower Reference Limit (5th Centile)
Semen Volume	1.4 mL
Sperm Concentration	16 × 10⁶ / mL
Total Sperm Count	39 × 10⁶ / ejaculate
Total Motility (PR + NP)	42%
Progressive Motility (PR)	30%
Vitality (Live Sperm)	54%
Sperm Morphology (Normal Forms)	4%

Frequently Asked Questions

Morphology refers to the shape of the sperm. Poor morphology (Teratozoospermia) can be caused by testicular hyperthermia (heat), varicocele, genetic traits, or exposure to toxins like smoking and heavy metals.

Yes. Spermatogenesis takes about 72 days. Improvements in diet, cessation of smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and keeping the testicles cool can improve parameters in subsequent tests.

Progressive motility refers to sperm that swim actively in a straight line or large circles. These are the sperm capable of traversing the female reproductive tract to fertilize an egg.

No. A low count (Oligozoospermia) reduces the statistical probability of natural conception but does not make it impossible. Assisted reproductive technologies (IUI, IVF) are often effective.