How to Read a Sperm Analysis Report

Sperm analysis reports are a series of metrics about sperm cells that give insight into a person’s fertility. Professional medical practitioners can then use these metrics to determine what the next steps are for a person who would like to build their family. As a patient, knowing what these metrics mean is also valuable to understanding the basis for any determinations made by a medical professional once the report is read and understood.  Since healthy sperm are crucial to family building, we shall be discussing what the different aspects of a sperm analysis report mean.

What Is a Semen Analysis?

A sperm analysis report is also referred to as a semen analysis. Different aspects of sperm cells are analysed in order to prepare the analysis report. A semen analysis is typically used following vasectomies in order to determine if the procedure was successful. As a measure of fertility, three key aspects are examined; morphology, motility and count. We shall look at these in more detail in the next section.  

Sperm Morphology

A sperm cell’s morphology is its anatomical structure. While some cells could present negligible anomalies, in general, the morphology is a key determinant of whether it can fertilize and egg. Some anomalies can make reproduction challenging, and so it is vital that the sperm cell have a good structure in order to have a chance at fertilization. 

Sperm Motility

Movement is key to fertilization, without which, a sperm cell cannot reach the egg to fertilize it, even with a good anatomical structure. Considering the size of a sperm cell, swimming is vital if it is to make the journey from the vagina to the fallopian tube where fertilization occurs.  

Sperm Count

The count of sperm is determined by their concentration within a particular volume of semen. Where the concentration is low, it is considered a low sperm count, and where they are highly concentrated, it is considered a high sperm count. This figure is positive as the more the sperm cells the better the chances of fertiization. However, as we shall see, a lower sperm count is not necessarily an inhibiting factor.

What to Expect During Semen Analysis Process

In order for a semen analysis to be conducted, a sample of semen is a requirement. A person who will be having a sperm analysis done will need to give a sample of fresh semen, by mastruubating and ejaculating into a sterilized container. This sample is then taken into a lab for analysis, and depending on the lab and the tests that will be done, it could take several days. For a less elaborate analysis, one can obtain an at-home semen analysis kit which will provide results regarding sperm count and sperm motility. Although they do not have much detail, they are accurate and allow one to have a sense of privacy. 

Understanding Your Semen Analysis Report

Lab-generated semen analysis reports give details that provide insight into a person’s fertility, which an at-home kit does not provide. We shall take some time to elaborate a little on what these parameters are in this section.

Semen Ejaculate Volume

Typically, ejaculation produces about two to five milliliters of semen. When this volume is low it could be due to an underlying issue. One investigation revealed that a low ejaculate volume could be caused by a low production of testosterone, or sperm, or blockage, or a complete absence of the seminal vesicle. If there is insufficient testosterone, the body cannot produce enough sperm. If there is blockage, or lack of a seminal vesicle, even when sufficient sperm are produced, they are prevented from exit. However, this does not necessarily inhibit fertilization.

Sperm Concentration 

We had alluded to sperm concentration being about a particular amount of sperm within a particular volume of semen. We also touched on the typical volume of semen obtained from one ejaculation. So, within the two to five milliliters of semen, it is expected that there will be at least 39 million sperm cells. To break it down further, in a healthy ejaculation, at least 58 percent will remain alive. The metric that is reflected on the sperm concentration is the percentage of sperm still living.

Sperm Motility

The next metric, sperm motility has to do with movement. In general, sperm cells move in two ways; the first is a general movement, while the second is movement in a forward direction. General movement is called overall motility while forward movement is called progressive motility. Healthy sperm typically display these two types of movement, which is a positive indicator when it comes to fertilization. For a semen analysis then, overall motility is considered good if it is seen in at least 40 percent of the sperm cells. Progressive motility is considered positive if it is displayed in at least 32 percent of the sperm cells. Limited movement on both these parameters is often an indicator that fertilization is not likely to occur naturally, or without intervention.  

Sperm Morphology

While sperm count and sperm motility have a very direct impact on fertility, sperm morphology does not. It is generally considered that sperm cells have a very specific structure, based on the illustrations that are available. However, their actual structure is not as consistent as one may think. In fact, ‘normal’ sperm cells make up only about four percent of the sperm cells in a healthy ejaculation, and it is not an indicator of whether they can fertilize an egg or not.

Sperm Count and Fertility

As we have seen, sperm count is not the only factor that determines a person’s fertility, even though it does contribute to understanding a semen analysis report. Interestingly, research revealed that sperm counts that exceed 40 million per milliliter trended downward on the fertility scale. 

How to Increase Sperm Count

Obviously, a person with a lower than average sperm count may have genuine concerns regarding their fertility. It is possible to improve sperm count metrics with a few adjustments to a lifestyle such as:

• Ensuring a healthy and balanced diet
• Increasing the intake of folate and zinc in the diet. 
• Getting sufficient sleep
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
• Regular exercise
• Managing stress

In Conclusion

A semen analysis provides a clear perspective on sperm health and fertility. The results themselves may not be indicative of infertility. There are people who have less than average metrics who do not struggle to have children naturally, and there are others who have fairly normal metrics who struggle to have children. It is therefore vital to read a semen analysis report with the guidance of a medical professional. 

One valuable aspect of a sperm analysis is that it can bring to light any underlying issues which could be treated. So, if you would like to have a semen analysis done or are having challenges having children, or would like to know what fertility treatments are available for your particular circumstance, do not hesitate to contact us at Virginia Fertility & IVF.We have a compassionate team of experts ready to guide you through you on this journey.