Do the results of a semen analysis always confirm fertility?
While a normal semen analysis cannot absolutely guarantee fertility, abnormal results usually do reflect an underlying problem. Nonetheless, there are no “cutoff ” values that can definitively predict who will conceive. Generally though, men with “good” semen analysis results will usually be fertile and conceive at higher rates than those with suboptimal results.
The semen analysis is therefore extremely important in determining whether there is a male factor contributing to a couple’s difficulty conceiving. If abnormalities are discovered in the semen analysis, further evaluation is usually helpful. For example, if complete absence of sperm is present, we perform additional testing to assess for production, blockage, hormonal problems, or other anatomical concerns. If increased white blood cell count in the semen is noted, semen cultures may be performed, and antibiotics are some-times given. Other abnormalities may suggest medical impli-cations. In almost all instances, Conception Labs can help determine the cause of an abnormal semen analysis, and initiate critical steps toward both revealing the cause, and defining the treatment.
