Semen analysis
Alternative names:
male fertility test; sperm count
Normal values:
The semen is analyzed for the volume; number and structure of the sperm; sperm movement; and the fluid thickness, acidity, and sugar content.
The normal volume varies from 1.5 to 5.0 milliliter per ejaculation. The sperm count varies from 20 to 150 million sperm per milliliter. At least 60% of the sperm should have a normal shape and show normal forward movement (motility).
What abnormal results mean:
If the sperm count is very low or very high there is a likelihood of being less fertile. The percent of normal sperm has an affect on infertility. The acidity of the semen and the presence of white blood cells (suggesting infection) may influence fertility. Many drugs, such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, Tagamet, male and female hormones, and many cancer drugs also affect fertility.
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
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