When a couple struggles to conceive, the cause involves the male partner about half the time — yet the workup often starts, and stays, with the woman. A semen analysis turns that around. It is non-invasive, inexpensive, and fast, and it belongs among the first tests any couple does after trying without success.

One sample can surface reversible causes — a varicocele, testosterone or anabolic-steroid use, heat exposure, infection, or certain medications — and occasionally points to hormonal or genetic problems that change the entire plan. Skip it, and a couple can spend months testing the wrong partner.

What it measures: how much semen there is (volume), how many sperm (concentration and total count), how well they swim (progressive and total motility), their shape (morphology), how many are alive (vitality), and pH.

How it's done: after 2–7 days without ejaculation, a sample is collected by masturbation into a sterile container and examined in the lab, ideally within an hour.

Why one test isn't enough: sperm take about three months to make, and counts swing from sample to sample. A single abnormal result should be confirmed with a repeat after 2–3 months before any decisions.

This tool interprets results against the WHO 6th Edition (2021) lower reference limits — the current international standard. Enter the numbers from a report to see which parameters are in range, and explore evidence-based causes for anything that isn't.