How is the semen analysis done? Can I do the sperm test at home?

There are home kits for semen analysis, although they are currently not complete in all the parameters and a bit complicated to use. Usually, the semen analysis is done under supervision of a physician and analysed in a laboratory.

The semen that shall be analysed must be rather fresh, usually not older than two hours. Therefore, several clinics give you the opportunity to retreat in a separate, private room in their clinic where you have the opportunity to gain sperm by masturbation. Don´t worry: this is certainly unusual for you, but a good clinic will provide a room with a decent private yet sterile atmosphere. Alternatively, you can gain the semen at home. Usually, your is collected in a small standard twist-cap plastic cup.

Several parameters of the semen are then analysed. You will get the full result from your physician and he should explain you the values, i.e. when a value is not suffiient and would lead to restricted fertility. You will have to wait only a few days for your results, sometimes only a few hours.

Please note:

• You are required to be abstinent (not have an ejaculation) for the last three to five days.
• If you have taken pharmaceutical drugs during the previous three months, your semen quality might have suffered from certain drugs.

What is measured? What are the results of a semen analysis?

These parameters are usually evaluated in a professional semen analysis and compared to WHO-standard norm values:

• Volume: The volume of your sperm that you delivered. According to WHO standards definition, it should be a total volume of 1,5 ml ejaculate or more.
• pH number: should be above 7,2
• Concentration: more than 15 million spermatozoa should be in each ml of your sperm;
• Total number of spermatozoa: should be above 39 million spermatozoa;
• Motility: more than 32% of your spermatozoa should move (motility). Usually, it is also measured whether your spermatozoa move forward (or in circles, which would not be so good) or if they are fast movers.
• Morphology: this measures the percentage of spermatozoa that look healthy, normal. A surprising fact is probably that this standard minimum value is relatively low: only more than 3% to 4% are required to be normally looking in order to have a semen with normal morphology.

Other values that are sometimes determined are percentage of living spermatozoa (should be more than 50%), testing of antibodies and leucocytes.

What are the costs of a semen analysis?

Depending on the physician, laboratory and country, a semen analysis should usually cost between 50 and 150 EUR / 50 and 150 USD / 40 and 120 GBP / 80 – 200 AUD.