How to Read a Sperm Analysis Report

For people assigned male at birth (AMAB), a sperm analysis report is the key tool used to obtain information about fertility. A sperm analysis gives a clear picture of a person’s sperm count, motility, and morphology. 

These three aspects assist in the management of fertility and pregnancy outcomes. We shall be discussing how to correctly read these results, so that you can understand how it may impact your family building goals.

What Is a Semen Analysis?

A sperm analysis, also referred to as a semen analysis, is a type of test used by medical practitioners to assess various aspects of a person’s semen. This helps them gauge how fertile a person is, as well as guide decisions about family building. 

This test is used more frequently following a vasectomy, to confirm if the procedure was successful. When it comes to trying to have children, the main parameters assessed are a person’s sperm count, the sperm motility, and the sperm morphology. 

Sperm Count

The sperm count assesses the concentration of sperm within a semen sample. If there is a high number of sperm, a sperm count is said to be higher. If there are fewer sperm, the count is said to be lower.

Sperm Motility

In order for sperm to fertilize an egg, they need to be able to swim past the cervix, and up the uterus. Therefore motility has to do with this movement, and the better a sperm moves, the more likely it is to fertilize an egg. 

Sperm Morphology

The structure of a sperm cell is crucial in conception, as some anomalies can make having children difficult. The healthy consistency of structure in each individual sperm means that the chances of fertilizing an egg are increased.  

What to Expect During Semen Analysis Process

The first step of semen analysis is obtaining a fresh semen sample. This is typically done through masturbation and ejaculation into a sterile container. It can be done at home or at a fertility clinic in a private room.

The sample is then taken to a lab for analysis. Usually the results are ready within a few days however, this varies depending on the type of test being used to do the analysis, and the lab doing the analysis. 

If getting your sperm tested from a clinic is not your preferred option, you can use an at-home semen analysis kit for more privacy. These kits are effective in assessing your sperm count and sperm motility. 

Understanding Your Semen Analysis Report

A semen analysis done in a lab provides wider parameters in the results than the home-based test. Below are additional parameters and insight into how they relate to your fertility.

Semen Ejaculate Volume

Did you know that how much semen is produced during ejaculation can help to diagnose underlying conditions that could impact fertility? A normal ejaculation is measured at two to five milliliters of semen. A lower semen volume may not be indicative of infertility, but could be caused by hypogonadism, an absence of the seminal vesicle, or even blockage of the ejaculatory duct according to one investigation.

Sperm Concentration

To give more detail, a typical healthy ejaculation would contain at least 39 million sperm. Of these, 58 percent or more would ideally remain alive. This number serves to show the concentration of sperm produced within the body.

Sperm Motility

The independent motion of sperm, as previously mentioned, determines their potential of success in reaching and fertilizing an egg. 

The motility of sperm is analysed in two ways, one is general movement or overall motility, while the other is forward movement, also known as progressive motility. 

For healthy sperm, these movements are graded as follows: overall motility is rated at 40 percent, and progressive motility is rated at 32 percent or higher.

Sperm Morphology

Whereas the structure of sperm does influence fertility, it surprisingly does not have to be perfect for conception to occur. Many times sperm can have abnormal shapes or appear like two or more sperm cells are conjoined and still successfully fertilize an egg. In fact, what is considered normal sperm morphology - i.e. normal structure and appearance - presents in only about four percent of sperm cells in a sample.

Sperm Count and Fertility

As we have seen, although sperm count is the most commonly discussed metric when discussing fertility in AMAB individuals, it is not the only factor that has an impact. 

Although higher sperm count has been connected to higher levels of fertility, it has been found that this is true only to a point. In fact, sperm counts that exceed 40 million/milliliter have been found to have increasingly lower fertility outcomes.

How to Increase Sperm Count

With the understanding that sperm count does count significantly in fertility, it is possible for individuals struggling with conception due to a low sperm count to improve it. For some AMAB individuals, simple and consistent lifestyle changes have produced positive results.

If your semen analysis report showed a low sperm count, here are some ways you can improve on that:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Increase your zinc and folate intake
• Get enough sleep
• Abstain from alcohol and tobacco products
• Exercise regularly
• Lose weight if your BMI is high
• Manage your stress

Summing It Up

Semen analysis play a vital role in providing insight regarding a person’s reproductive health. The results are not always indicative of natural pregnancy outcomes. Individuals with normal test results sometimes struggle to conceive, and others with below-average results end up conceiving naturally with their partner.

The advantage of semen analysis reports is that they also bring to light issues that could potentially arise along the way, and give direction to medical practitioners on appropriate courses of treatment.

If you have further questions about sperm analysis, or have concerns regarding infertility contact us at Reproductive Partners Medical Group for guidance through a variety of reproductive health services.