Is My Semen Analysis Normal? Key Parameters - Urology

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To determine whether your semen analysis results are normal, we need to evaluate several key parameters based on established reference ranges. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines for normal semen parameters, which can help us assess your results.

1. Volume: The normal semen volume is typically between 1.5 to 5 ml. Your reported volume of 5 ml is within the normal range.

2. pH: A normal semen pH is usually between 7.2 and 8.0. Your pH of 8.5 is slightly elevated, which may indicate an alkaline environment. While this isn't necessarily a cause for concern, it could be worth discussing with your healthcare provider, as it may relate to the presence of infection or other factors.

3. Sperm Concentration: The normal sperm concentration is greater than 15 million sperm per milliliter. Your concentration of 155 million sperm per ml is well above the normal threshold, indicating a high sperm count.

4. Motility: The WHO defines normal motility as at least 40% of sperm showing progressive motility. Your motility of 65% is excellent, indicating that a significant proportion of your sperm are capable of moving effectively.

5. Morphology: Normal sperm morphology is defined as having at least 4% of sperm with a normal shape. Your result of 70% morphology is exceptionally high, suggesting that the majority of your sperm have a normal structure.

6. Red Blood Cells (RBCs): The presence of red blood cells in semen is not normal and may indicate a potential issue such as infection or trauma. Typically, there should be no RBCs in a semen sample, so a finding of 70% RBCs is concerning and should be evaluated further.

7. White Blood Cells (WBCs): A normal semen analysis may show a few white blood cells, but a count of 1-2 WBCs is generally considered acceptable. Elevated WBC counts could indicate an infection or inflammation.

In summary, your semen analysis shows several positive indicators: normal volume, excellent sperm concentration, high motility, and morphology. However, the presence of a significant amount of RBCs is abnormal and warrants further investigation. It is advisable to consult with a urologist or a fertility specialist to discuss these findings, particularly the elevated pH and the presence of RBCs, as they may require additional tests or treatment.

In addition to these parameters, it's important to consider other factors that can affect semen quality, including lifestyle choices (such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet), medical history, and any medications you may be taking. A comprehensive evaluation can provide a clearer picture of your reproductive health and guide any necessary interventions.