Semen Analysis

The Semen Analysis Process

Semen can be collected on-site in a private area or at home. Some men, for religious or other reasons, might prefer to collect semen during the act of intercourse, using a specialized condom. If this is the case, your physician will provide the condom because store-bought condoms contain lubricants and spermicides that could affect test results. It is advised to abstain from sex or ejaculation for two to four days beforehand. If collection is done at home, the sample should be kept at body temperature (98.6 F/37C) by keeping it next to the body during transportation. It should not be left at room temperature for an extended period of time or be refrigerated.

How Semen is Evaluated

Finally, the shape, or morphology, of the sperm is determined. Sperm heads should be oval-shaped and of the appropriate size, with a well-defined cap (acrosome), and no visible irregularities of the neck, midpiece, or tail. In the event that the semen analysis is abnormal, the test may need to be repeated, and a referral to a reproductive urologist who specializes in the treatment of male-factor infertility may be suggested.

A semen test also includes information on:

• pH scale: The levels of acids and bases in the semen
• Semen volume: The amount of semen in the sample (in milliliters)
• Sperm concentration: The number of sperm per milliliter of semen
• Time to liquefaction: How quickly the semen changes from a sticky substance to a fluid
• Vitality: The percent of live sperm in a semen sample
• White blood cells: The number of white blood cells in the semen, which can indicate an infection or inflammation

Causes of Abnormal Semen Analysis Results

Certain sperm conditions can cause abnormal semen analysis results, including:

• Aspermia: When no semen is produced with ejaculation
• Hypospermia: When the total ejaculate is less than 1.5 milliliters
• Azoospermia: When a man releases semen that contains no sperm
• Oligozoospermia: When a man has a low sperm count, as well as problems with sperm shape and movement
• Asthenozoospermia: When a large percentage of sperm moves abnormally
• Teratozoospermia: When the majority of the sperm in the semen is shaped abnormally
• Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT): When the shape, size, and movement of the sperm are abnormal
• Necrozoospermia: When all sperm in the semen are dead
• Leukocytospermia: When there is a high amount of white blood cells present in the semen

Any of these conditions can affect male fertility.

Other Diagnostic Tests for Male Fertility

In conjunction with a semen analysis, your physician may recommend additional male fertility testing, such as:

• Hormone tests: Hormone blood tests can assess hormones that impact male fertility, including luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, and testosterone.
• Physical examinations: A physical examination can rule out physical abnormalities linked to difficulties with conception.
• Genetic tests: A fertility specialist may perform genetic tests, as sperm quality and quantity can be impacted by genetic conditions.
• DNA fragmentation assessments: These tests assess sperm fragmentation, which refers to lesions, damage, or breaks in the genetic material of the sperm.
• Antibody tests: These tests detect the presence of antibodies in semen that can hinder the quality and amount of sperm.
• Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds may be used to detect any obstructions within the male reproductive system that may be impacting fertility.

Semen Analysis FAQs

• What does a semen analysis test for?

  A semen analysis tests various parameters to assess sperm health and male fertility. These parameters include sperm shape, movement, volume, and more. If there are any abnormalities within these parameters, it can be difficult for the sperm to successfully fertilize the egg.

• How do I prepare for a semen analysis?

  Before undergoing a semen analysis, it’s important to follow all instructions provided by your physician. You may be advised to make lifestyle changes and abstain from sexual activity before the test. You may need to undergo multiple assessments to compare the stability of the sperm produced over a period of time.

• Why do I have to abstain from sexual activity before semen analysis?

  Abstaining from ejaculation typically allows for a stronger concentration of sperm in the semen, giving a more accurate result. Therefore, your physician will advise you to abstain from sexual intercourse and masturbation for two to four days prior to your semen analysis.

• What if I don’t deliver my sample within one hour?

  If you produce your semen sample at home, you will need to bring it to an RMA of New York office within one hour. This is because the lifespan of sperm diminishes once it is outside of the body. If you drop off your specimen too late, you will need to submit another sample. Your physician may recommend that you produce your semen sample at the clinic instead of at home.

• Which RMA of New York offices offer semen analysis (semen collection on-site, drop-off, etc.)?

  • Manhattan: The Eastside and Westside offices offer drop-off and collection on-site. The Downtown office offers drop-off only.
  • Brooklyn: The Albee Square office offers drop-off and collection on-site.
  • Westchester: The Mount Kisco office offers drop-off and collection on-site. The White Plains office offers drop-off only.
  • Long Island: The Melville office offers drop-off and collection on-site. The Garden City, Lake Success, East Patchogue, West Islip, and Stony Brook offices offer drop-off only.