Semen Analysis: Interpreting Your Results and Motility - Urology

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Semen analysis


Hello, Doctor! Below are the results from a test I conducted a few days ago at a laboratory.
I would like to ask if there are any issues with these results, particularly regarding the motility of the sperm, which seems a bit low.
Thank you! (The sample was collected DIY after three days of abstinence.)
APPEARANCE: White mucoid
pH: 8.0
VOLUME: 5.0 cc
SPERM COUNT: 98 million/cc
MOTILITY 30 min: 80%
MOTILITY 1 HR: 70%
MOTILITY 2 HR: 60%
MORPHOLOGY: 75%
RBC: 0-1/HPF
WBC: 1-2/HPF
LIQUEFACTION: <30 minutes

caca, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/06/13

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology


CACA: Your semen analysis is quite normal.
If you have any further questions or if there are any unclear aspects, feel free to ask again so we can discuss and research together.
This response is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2011/06/13

More Info


When interpreting semen analysis results, it's essential to understand the various parameters that are evaluated, including sperm count, motility, morphology, and other factors. Based on the results you've provided, let's break down the findings and discuss their implications.

1. Appearance: The semen sample appears white and mucoid, which is typical for a healthy sample.
2. pH Level: A pH of 8.0 is within the normal range for semen, which typically ranges from 7.2 to 8.0. This indicates that the sample is not overly acidic or alkaline, which is a good sign.

3. Volume: A total volume of 5.0 cc is considered normal. Normal semen volume typically ranges from 1.5 to 5.0 cc, so your result is within the acceptable range.

4. Sperm Count: A sperm count of 98 million per cc is excellent. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines normal sperm concentration as greater than 15 million sperm per milliliter, so your count is well above this threshold.

5. Motility: The motility results show:
- 80% motility at 30 minutes
- 70% motility at 1 hour
- 60% motility at 2 hours
These percentages indicate that a significant proportion of sperm are motile, which is a positive sign. However, it's important to note that while 80% motility at 30 minutes is good, the decrease over time could suggest that the sperm may not be as vigorous as desired. The WHO guidelines suggest that at least 40% of sperm should be motile after one hour, so your results meet this criterion.

6. Morphology: A morphology rate of 75% is excellent, as normal morphology is typically defined as having at least 4% of sperm with a normal shape according to WHO criteria.

7. Red Blood Cells (RBC): The presence of 0-1 RBCs per high power field (HPF) is normal, as the presence of red blood cells in semen can indicate bleeding or other issues.

8. White Blood Cells (WBC): A count of 1-2 WBCs per HPF is also normal. Elevated white blood cells can indicate an infection or inflammation.

9. Liquefaction Time: A liquefaction time of less than 30 minutes is normal. Semen should liquefy within 20 to 30 minutes after ejaculation.


Conclusion and Recommendations
Overall, your semen analysis results appear to be largely within normal ranges, with a particularly strong sperm count and morphology. The motility results, while still within acceptable limits, show a gradual decline over time, which may warrant further investigation if you are experiencing fertility issues.

If you are concerned about the motility or any other aspect of your semen analysis, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or a fertility specialist. They can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and discuss potential lifestyle changes, treatments, or further testing if necessary. Factors such as diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental toxins can all impact sperm health, so addressing these areas may also be beneficial.

In summary, while your results are generally positive, discussing them with a medical professional can provide clarity and guidance tailored to your specific situation.

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