Semen analysis consists of collecting a sperm sample for use in a series of laboratory tests to evaluate the health of a male's sperm. These tests assess sperm count, movement, shape, white blood cells and ejaculate volume. If any of these aspects are not normal, additional testing, such as a sperm wash may be recommended. An analysis based on 2-3 separate samples is more reliable because samples from the same man can vary greatly.

An analysis based on 2-3 separate samples is more reliable because samples can vary greatly. In a normal sperm sample semen volume is 2-5 millilitres. In a 1-millilitre semen sample there should be:

• More than 20 million sperm
• More than 50% of the sperm should be moving
• More than 50% of the sperm should have a normal shape
• Less than 1-million white blood cells

If any of these aspects are not normal, a sperm wash may be recommended to determine:

• The sperm's ability to bind to and fertilize an egg
• Whether antibodies are present that may be working against the sperm
• The presence of infections

Instructions for collecting a sperm sample for semen analysis