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Semen analysis

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• Risks
• Results

Alternative Names:

Male fertility test; Sperm count

Normal Values:

Values may vary from laboratory to laboratory. The most common normal values are listed below.

The normal volume varies from 1.5 to 5.0 milliliter per ejaculation.

The sperm count varies from 20 to 150 million sperm per milliliter.

At least 60% of the sperm should have a normal shape and show normal forward movement (motility).

What abnormal results mean:

Abnormal results may suggest a male infertility problem. For example, if the sperm count is very low or very high there is a likelihood of being less fertile. The acidity of the semen and the presence of white blood cells (suggesting infection) may influence fertility.

However, there are many unknowns in male infertility. The results from the test may fail to explain the cause. If a low sperm count or abnormal semen is found, further testing may be required.

• Review Date: 6/5/2007
• Reviewed By: Marc Greenstein, DO, Urologist, North Jersey Center for Urologic Care, Denville, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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