How to Read Your Sperm/ Semen Analysis Report?
- AMALSHA S
- Aug 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 21
Talking about fertility is as difficult for males as it is for females. When couples face challenges conceiving and female infertility is ruled out, doctors suggest a male infertility test.
With a Semen Analysis Report, specialists in Bliss Fertility look at different aspects of how a man's sperm challenges the overall conceiving process.
While many feel embarrassed and anxious hearing the term “Semen Analysis Report", it's completely normal. Fertility is a shared journey, and understanding your health is a positive step. In fact, around 30% males worldwide go through this test annually.
What Is Semen Analysis? (Semen Analysis Overview)
A semen analysis is a basic medical lab test. It looks at the health and quality of a man's sperm. The Semen Analysis Report is one of the initial assessments when couples try to conceive and are facing challenges.
The process is quick: You are asked for your semen sample, which is later examined under a microscope. It is meant to find out details about how many sperm are present (Semen volume), their viscosity, pH, how well they move, whether they are in normal shape, and more.
With a Semen Analysis Report, the doctor can snap a snapshot of male sperm health, rather than announcing a final verdict. It is usually a starting point rather than a whole story and is a very standard part of a fertility journey.
Why Is a Semen Analysis Done?
The major purpose behind a semen analysis is to diagnose the male sperm quality. When there's difficulty in getting pregnant, there could be reasons associated with both partners.
At times, the test is also performed to check whether a surgery, chemotherapy, or particular medication has affected the sperm quality.
Key Parameters in a Semen Analysis Report
A Semen Analysis Report is ready in 1-2 days of submitting your sperm sample. Whereas, clinics like Bliss Fertility have on-site labs that can give them the result same day (if the test is done in the morning), whereas it may take 2-5 days if the sample is sent to an external lab.
To understand a Semen Analysis Report, you must be familiar with the terms and parameters. It may look confusing at first, but here's what everything simply means:
Volume (Amount of semen produced): It measures how much semen is released in one sample. Volume is recorded in milliliters (ml) and will typically range from 1.5–6 ml. *The WHO's lower limit is 1.5 ml.
Sperm Count / Concentration: It is different from the volume. The value of concentration tells about how many sperm are present in each milliliter of semen. ≥15 million/mL is the normal range, and a low figure is a matter of concern.
Motility: It means how well the sperm moves towards the egg. Motility measures the percentage of sperm moving: Normal ≥42%, whereas ideal progressive motility is ≥60%.
Morphology: Male sperm should have a straight tail and a regular oval head. Morphology checks the size of sperm in percentage (≥4% with normal structure) with a normal shape. A very low or high percentage can affect sperm's ability to reach the egg and affect fertilisation.
pH level: Sperms can be too acidic or alkaline, and both extremes are concerning. Ideally, 7.2 to 7.8 is a normal pH range.
Liquefaction Time: Semen naturally is a gel-like formulation that turns into liquid in nearly 20 minutes of ejaculation. The range from 20–30 minutes is considered acceptable as longer can impair sperm motility.
Breaking Down a Semen Analysis Report (What Do These Numbers Mean?)
Instead of getting overwhelmed by the first look at your Semen Analysis Report, here's how you can evaluate it quickly:
Understanding Normal vs. Abnormal Results – What’s Considered Healthy?
Seeing your Semen Analysis Report outside the 'normal' range and feeling worried is normal. But a slightly low or high value doesn't always automatically mean infertility. Here's what an abnormal Semen Analysis Report may look like:
Volume: < 1.0 ml (very low)
Sperm Count: < 10 million/ml
Motility: < 25% moving
Morphology: < 2% normal
However, if your report suggests mild diversion:
Volume: 1.0 – 1.4 ml
Sperm Count: 10–14 million/ml
Motility: 25–39% moving
Morphology: < 2–3% normal
If your report suggests mild diversion, you may respond well to lifestyle improvements.
Having a balanced diet, incorporating some form of physical exercise, keeping yourself hydrated and reducing stress can improve your Semen Analysis Report. Plus, quitting smoking and heavy alcohol use also helps.
“After 15 years of trying for a baby (Martin and Mari Nibi) conducted various treatments with disappointing results, we have reached a turning point.
My friend recommended Bliss Fertility, and we decided to visit, and immediately felt a sense of hope. The doctor listened to our story carefully, prescribed the right treatment and medications, and now, after a few months, we finally have a beautiful baby boy.”
When Should You Talk to a Doctor About Your Report?
Understanding your Semen Analysis Report is one thing, but you don't have to figure it out all on your own. If your levels fall below the normal range, within the 'concerning' boundary, seeing a fertility specialist is a good idea.
Very low or zero sperm count = Azoospermia
Low Motility = Means the sperm aren't swimming/ moving properly
Low Morphology = No sperm have a healthy shape
Since sperm production naturally fluctuates, a single test isn't always conclusive. Your doctor may advise a repeat test after a few weeks. They may also observe your medical history, lifestyle, and any other health issues before moving towards any fertility treatment.
Tip: Avoid self-diagnosing based on numbers alone. While reading a medical report is not difficult, moreover it is a doctor's job to understand which treatment to suggest to help you.
Conclusion
Overall, understanding a Semen Analysis Report isn't difficult, and a bad report isn't always concerning. A single sperm test can't define your ability to have children on its own. If the results aren't what you hoped for, skip panic and reach out to a fertility expert for the right medical support. Call Now
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