The analysis is performed on a semen sample collected through masturbation. On the other hand, a testicular biopsy is performed in males who have serious illnesses. This sample collection is done in an extremely private setting. If collected at home, the sample must be kept at body temperature and transported to the laboratory within 60 minutes of collection.

The fertility laboratory assesses the sample for the following,

Morphology – The sample is considered normal if more than 50% of sperm have a normal appearance.

Movement/Sperm Motility Test – More than 50% of sperm moving normally after an hour of the collection indicates a normal sample. Highly motile sperm is essential for the process of fertilization.

pH – The pH should be between 7.2 and 7.8 for a normal sample. Reduced or increased pH values indicate infections or structural blockage of the ducts which carry sperm in the male body.

Volume – A volume of greater than 2ml is considered normal. Low volumes indicate a low sperm count. Since chances of fertilization greatly increase with the volume of sperm, low volume points towards obvious subfertility.

Liquefaction – Initially thick, the semen has the ability to liquefy and attain a watery consistency; this helps the sperm move. This usually happens within 15 to 30 minutes. Slow liquefaction, on the other hand, can affect a male’s fertility.

Sperm count – The normal sperm count is between 20 million to 200 million per milliliter of semen.

Appearance – The normal appearance of semen is whitish and opaque. A brownish or yellow tint indicates a problem in the testicles or ducts that transport the semen.