From the Guidelines
The most important semen analysis parameters include sperm concentration, total sperm count, motility, morphology, semen volume, and pH, as these provide critical information about male fertility potential and are associated with morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes 1. When evaluating semen analysis results, it is essential to consider the following key parameters:
- Sperm concentration: normal values are ≥16 million/mL, as indicated by the World Health Organization reference limits 1
- Total sperm count: normal values are ≥39 million per ejaculate, which reflects spermatogenesis adequacy 1
- Motility: normal values are ≥42% total motility or ≥30% progressive motility, which indicates sperm energy production and structural integrity 1
- Morphology: normal values are ≥4% normal forms using strict criteria, which evaluates sperm structure and is highly predictive of fertilization potential 1
- Semen volume: normal values are ≥1.4 mL, which helps assess accessory gland function, with low volumes suggesting ejaculatory duct obstruction or androgen deficiency 1
- pH: normal values are between 7.2-8.0, which can indicate infections or obstructions when abnormal These parameters are crucial in assessing male fertility potential and identifying potential underlying conditions that may impact morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, such as testicular cancer, genetic disorders, and infertility-related psychological distress 1. It is also important to note that lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and heat exposure can temporarily affect semen analysis parameters, so these should be optimized before retesting 1. Additionally, advanced paternal age has been associated with increased de novo intra- and inter-genic germline mutations, sperm aneuploidy, structural chromosomal aberrations, sperm DNA fragmentation, birth defects, and genetically-mediated conditions in offspring, highlighting the importance of considering paternal age in fertility evaluations 1. Overall, a comprehensive evaluation of semen analysis parameters, in conjunction with clinical assessment and lifestyle optimization, is essential for providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans that prioritize morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes.
From the Research
Semen Analysis Parameters
The most important semen analysis parameters include:
- Sperm concentration
- Motility
- Progressive motility
- Sperm morphology 2
- Sperm chromatin integrity, which has a direct positive correlation with Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) outcomes, including fertilization rate, embryo quality, pregnancy, and successful delivery rate 3
Standard Semen Analysis
Standard semen analysis evaluates:
- Sperm concentration
- Motility
- Morphology
- Vitality 3, 4, 5 However, normal results of semen analysis cannot exclude men from the causes of couples' infertility 3
Advanced Semen Analysis
Advanced methods for semen analysis include: