Yaar · 2 min
What is a semen analysis?
4 sections · 2 min read
Why get tested?
A is the single most important test for male fertility. It measures how many sperm you produce, how well they move, and whether they look normal. NICE recommends it as part of the initial fertility assessment for all couples.
A semen analysis tells you something useful about your reproductive health, not a verdict on who you are.
What does the test measure?
What semen analysis measures (WHO 2021 reference values)
Volume
How much semen is produced in one ejaculation. WHO 2021 lower reference limit: 1.4 ml. Too low can mean blockage or gland problems; too high can dilute sperm concentration.
Concentration
How many sperm are present per millilitre of semen. WHO 2021 lower reference limit: 16 million/ml. Below this is called oligozoospermia; zero sperm is azoospermia.
Motility
What percentage of sperm are moving, and how well. WHO 2021: total motility ≥42%, progressive motility ≥30%. Progressive motility means sperm moving forward purposefully, this is what gets sperm to the egg.
Morphology
The shape and structure of sperm. WHO 2021 lower reference limit: ≥4% normal forms (Kruger strict criteria). Abnormal morphology alone rarely means infertility, it's one piece of the picture alongside count and motility.
How do you prepare for a semen analysis?
For the most accurate results: abstain from ejaculation for 2–5 days before the test (WHO 2021), avoid alcohol in the week before, tell the clinic about any medications, and avoid recent fever or illness. Too short an abstinence reduces sperm numbers; too long increases the proportion of non-viable sperm.
Quick check
Have you been abstinent for 2–5 days before the test?
For your doctor
Semen analysis result: [insert result]. Requesting interpretation and guidance on next steps per WHO 2021 reference values.
Use this if your result comes back and your doctor hasn't discussed it with you yet. The WHO 2021 reference values are the current standard, this snippet asks for interpretation against those, not older thresholds.
Why is stigma around semen testing still a problem?
In many South Asian households, fertility is considered a private matter, and male fertility even more so. Some men worry that an abnormal result reflects on their masculinity. It doesn't.
Fertility is a medical issue, not a character judgment. Getting tested is responsible, proactive, and shows you care about building your family. Your yaar would tell you the same thing.
How did this land with you?
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Reviewed by clinicians
Authored and reviewed by clinicians from the founding team. Information only, not personalised medical advice.