What is a Seminal Fluid Analysis (Automated) test?
A Seminal Fluid Analysis (Automated), also called a semen analysis, is a laboratory test that evaluates a semen sample to assess sperm production, sperm quality, and other characteristics of seminal fluid.
Semen is a fluid released from the male reproductive system during ejaculation. It contains sperm produced in the testes together with fluids from the prostate gland and seminal vesicles.
A semen analysis can provide important information about male reproductive health and fertility.
An automated semen analyzer can assess several sperm characteristics, including sperm concentration, motility, and other parameters, depending on the analyzer and laboratory system used. Results may be complemented by manual microscopic examination when necessary.
Other names: semen analysis, seminal fluid analysis, sperm analysis, spermogram, seminogram, automated semen analysis.
What is it used for?
A Seminal Fluid Analysis may be used to help:
Evaluate male fertility
Semen analysis is one of the primary laboratory tests used when evaluating male fertility.
It can assess whether there are abnormalities in the number, movement, or characteristics of sperm that could affect the ability to achieve pregnancy.
Assess sperm concentration
The test measures the concentration of sperm in the semen sample, usually reported as millions of sperm per milliliter (million/mL).
Assess sperm motility
Motility describes the ability of sperm to move.
The analysis may report:
Progressive motility
Non-progressive motility
Immotile sperm
Progressively motile sperm are able to move forward and are generally more relevant to fertility.
Evaluate sperm morphology
Morphology refers to the size and shape of sperm.
The laboratory may assess the percentage of sperm with a normal morphology according to the applicable reference criteria.
Evaluate seminal fluid characteristics
Depending on the laboratory method, semen analysis may also evaluate:
Semen volume
Appearance
pH
Liquefaction
Viscosity
Sperm concentration
Total sperm number
Sperm motility
Sperm morphology
Round cells or leukocytes
Other microscopic findings
Why do I need a Seminal Fluid Analysis?
You may need this test if your healthcare provider wants to evaluate male fertility, particularly if:
You and your partner have been trying to conceive without success.
There is a history of difficulty achieving pregnancy.
There may be a problem affecting sperm production or function.
You have had a previous abnormal semen analysis.
You have undergone treatment that may affect sperm production.
There is a history of testicular, hormonal, or reproductive problems.
A semen analysis may also be performed after certain procedures, such as vasectomy, to determine whether sperm are still present in the semen.
What happens during a Seminal Fluid Analysis?
You will usually be asked to provide a semen sample by masturbation into a sterile container provided by the laboratory.
The sample should generally be collected according to the laboratory's instructions.
Important collection instructions may include:
Follow the recommended period of sexual abstinence before collection.
Wash your hands and genital area before collecting the specimen.
Collect the entire ejaculate into the sterile container.
Avoid using lubricants, saliva, or condoms unless specifically approved by the laboratory.
Record the time of collection if requested.
Deliver the sample to the laboratory within the time specified by the laboratory if collected outside the laboratory.
The sample is then analyzed using an automated semen analysis system and, when required, manual microscopic examination.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
Yes. Proper preparation and specimen collection are important for obtaining reliable results.
Sexual abstinence
A period of approximately 2–7 days of sexual abstinence is generally recommended before semen analysis, in accordance with commonly used WHO-based laboratory procedures.
The same abstinence period should preferably be used when repeating the test so that results can be compared more reliably.
Complete sample collection
It is important to collect the entire ejaculate. Losing part of the sample, particularly the initial portion, can significantly affect the measured sperm concentration and total sperm number.
Avoid contamination
Do not use regular lubricants, creams, or other substances during collection unless they have been specifically approved for semen collection.
Follow your laboratory's exact collection instructions.
Are there any risks to the test?
There are no significant medical risks associated with providing a semen sample.
The main difficulty may be related to collecting the specimen, particularly when the sample must be produced in a laboratory setting.
What do the results mean?
The meaning of your results depends on several factors, including:
Age
Abstinence period
Completeness of the sample
Recent illness or fever
Medications
Medical history
Testicular and reproductive health
Hormonal status
Other fertility investigations
A semen analysis evaluates several parameters, and one abnormal parameter does not necessarily mean that a person is infertile.
Semen volume
This measures the amount of semen produced during ejaculation.
A low volume can occur for several reasons, including incomplete collection, obstruction, hormonal problems, or problems involving the seminal vesicles.
Sperm concentration
This indicates the number of sperm present per milliliter of semen.
A low sperm concentration is called oligozoospermia.
A complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate is called azoospermia.
Total sperm number
This represents the total number of sperm in the entire ejaculate and is influenced by both semen volume and sperm concentration.
Sperm motility
Motility describes how well sperm move.
Reduced sperm motility is called asthenozoospermia.
Progressive motility is particularly important because it reflects the ability of sperm to move forward.
Sperm morphology
Morphology evaluates the shape and structure of sperm.
A reduced proportion of normally shaped sperm is referred to as teratozoospermia.
Morphology should be interpreted according to the specific criteria used by the laboratory.
Other findings
The analysis may also identify:
Increased viscosity
Delayed liquefaction
Abnormal pH
Red blood cells
Leukocytes
Agglutination
Immature germ cells
Other microscopic abnormalities
Important note about Seminal Fluid Analysis results
Semen parameters can vary considerably from one sample to another. A single abnormal semen analysis does not necessarily establish infertility.
If the first test is abnormal, your healthcare provider may recommend a repeat semen analysis, usually after an appropriate interval, because sperm production and semen characteristics can fluctuate.
Automated semen analysis provides standardized and efficient assessment of sperm parameters, but some findings may require manual microscopic confirmation, depending on the analyzer, laboratory protocol, and result.
Results should be interpreted using the reference limits and methodology adopted by the laboratory, preferably based on current WHO recommendations.
A semen analysis is an important part of male fertility evaluation, but fertility is influenced by both partners and by factors that may not be detected by routine semen analysis.
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