Concentration (also known as Sperm Count):
This measures how many million sperm there are in each milliliter
of seminal fluid. Counts of less than 20 million per milliliter (<20
million/cc) are associated with decreased fertility.
Motility:
This is the percentage of
the sperm which move ("swim") normally. Ideally, circumstances, at least 40% of
the sperm should move in a forward, purposeful manner to facilitate timely
fertilization of the egg.
Standard Semen Fluid
Tests:
The thickness (viscosity), color, and the
time required for the perm to liquefy are also measured. Abnormalities in the
viscosity or consistency of the seminal fluid can be detrimental to the sperm.
For example, if the semen is very thick and viscous, sperm may have difficulty
traveling through the semen and into the woman’s reproductive
tract.
Morphology:
This refers to the shape of the sperm's head, mid-piece, and tail
when it is examined under high-power magnification. Abnormalities in the shape
of the sperm head are particularly associated with absent or abnormal
fertilization. Assessing morphology can be critical, since men with high sperm
counts may also have poor morphology as a cause of their
infertility.
Volume:
The amount of seminal fluid in a normal ejaculation should be two
illiliters (2 ccs) or more. The volume may be low if a man is anxious when
producing a specimen, if the entire specimen is not appropriately collected, or
if there is a hormonal imbalance, obstruction, or
dehydration.
Total Motile
Count:
The total number of moving sperm in the
entire ejaculate should be > 40 million.
