Informative article. If you are looking for an andrology consultation in Gdańsk or want to discuss the semen test result with a doctor, go straight to the consultation page - the link can be found below.
Semen analysis, or seminogram, is a basic test in the diagnosis of male fertility. It assesses, among others, the volume of the ejaculate, the number of sperm, their motility, viability and structure. The result should not be interpreted on its own - even a normal seminogram does not rule out all fertility problems, and a single abnormal result usually requires repeating and evaluation by a doctor.
At the Friendly Medicine Island in Gdańsk, the patient can start with andrological consultation, during which the doctor discusses the indications for the examination, preparation, the result of the seminogram and possible further diagnostic steps.
Author: Editorial team of Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej · Medical consultation: Jakub Krukowski, M.D., urologist · Update: 07.07.2026
Do you have a semen test result or are you planning fertility diagnostics?
An andrologist or urologist will help you assess whether the result requires repetition, hormonal tests, testicular ultrasound, diagnosis of varicocele or lifestyle changes.
Make an appointment for an andrology consultation →The most important information at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does semen analysis assess? | volume, sperm count, concentration, motility, morphology, viability, pH and other parameters |
| When to perform them? | in case of difficulties in conceiving, after treatment that may affect fertility, in case of varicocele, hormonal disorders or as a preventive measure before planning paternity |
| How to prepare? | 2-7 days of sexual abstinence are most often recommended; details depend on the laboratory |
| Is one result enough? | not always; if the result is incorrect, it is usually recommended to repeat the test |
| Who interprets the result? | andrologist, urologist or doctor dealing with male fertility diagnostics |
What is semen analysis?
Semen analysis, also called seminogram or ejaculate analysis, is a laboratory evaluation of semen for parameters important for fertility. The result shows, among other things, how many sperm there are, what percentage moves properly, how many sperm have the correct structure and whether there are visible features that may suggest inflammation or a problem with the semen ejection tract.
Seminogram is one of the basic tests in the diagnosis of couples trying to get pregnant. However, it is not a "sentence" or a simple test: fertile / infertile. Semen parameters change over time and depend on, among others, infection, fever, stress, medications, stimulants, body weight, sleep, testicular temperature and general diseases.
"Semen analysis is the starting point, not the end of diagnostics. The result must be compared with the interview, urological examination, sometimes hormones, ultrasound and the situation of both partners."
- expert commentary, to be approved by a WMP doctor
When is it worth performing a semen test?
The most common indication is a situation in which a couple regularly has unprotected intercourse and despite all efforts, pregnancy does not occur. When diagnosing infertility, it is not worth starting only with the woman - the assessment of the man should be carried out in parallel, because the male factor may coexist with other causes.
Semen analysis is worth considering especially when:
- a couple is trying to get pregnant and fails to achieve it despite regular intercourse,
- the man has had orchitis, epididymitis or sexually transmitted diseases,
- there are varicoceles, testicular pain or reduction in their volume,
- there are erection, ejaculation or libido disorders,
- the patient has undergone oncological treatment, e.g. chemotherapy or radiotherapy,
- the patient is taking medications that may affect fertility,
- there is low testosterone or suspected hormonal disorders,
- a couple is planning assisted reproductive procedures,
- a man wants to preventively assess his fertility before planning fatherhood.
How to prepare for semen analysis?
Detailed preparation rules are provided by the laboratory performing the test. Most often, it is recommended to maintain sexual abstinence for 2–7 days before submitting the sample. Too short or too long a break may affect the result, so it is worth following the recommendations of the laboratory and doctor.
Before the examination, it is worth remembering a few rules:
- maintain the recommended period of sexual abstinence, usually 2-7 days,
- avoid alcohol and other stimulants before the examination,
- inform the doctor about medications, supplements and past infections,
- do not perform the examination immediately after a fever or acute infection, unless it is urgent,
- avoid overheating the testicles, saunas and hot baths before the test,
- follow instructions regarding the container, transport and delivery time of the sample.
If the sample is submitted outside the laboratory, special attention must be paid to the transport time, temperature and completeness of the sample. Even minor technical errors can make the result difficult to interpret.
What does it look like to submit a sample?
Most often, the sample is obtained by masturbation into a sterile container, according to the laboratory instructions. In many places, it is recommended to submit the sample on-site because the time from collection to analysis is important for assessing sperm motility.
If, for psychological, religious or organizational reasons, it is difficult to submit a sample to the laboratory, it is worth discussing this with your doctor or laboratory in advance. Sometimes other solutions are possible, but they must be consistent with diagnostic principles for the result to be reliable.
What parameters does the seminogram evaluate?
Standard semen analysis assesses several groups of parameters. Each of them talks about a different aspect of semen quality, but only the overall result and the clinical context allow us to assess what the result may mean.
| Parameter | What does it mean? | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|
| Semen volume | amount of ejaculate | low volume may suggest a problem with sample collection, abstinence or semen exit routes |
| Sperm concentration | number of sperm in 1 ml | helps assess whether sperm production is reduced |
| Total number of sperm | number of sperm in the entire ejaculate | important because it depends on both the concentration and volume of the sample |
| Motility | percentage of sperm moving, including in a progressive motion | sperm must move in the reproductive tract women |
| Morphology | percentage of sperm with normal structure | abnormal structure may affect the ability to fertilize, but requires interpretation with other parameters |
| Viability | percentage of live sperm | helps distinguish stationary but alive sperm from dead sperm |
| Leukocytes, agglutination, viscosity | additional features | may suggest inflammation, a technical problem or the need for further diagnostics |
Semen analysis standards according to WHO 2021 - how to understand them?
WHO 2021 provides reference values based on the results of men whose partners became pregnant within a specified period. These are not rigid limits of fertility and infertility. A result below the reference value does not automatically mean infertility, and a result above it does not guarantee pregnancy.
| Parameter | WHO Lower Reference Value 2021 | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Semen volume | 1.4 ml | low volume requires assessment, among others: completeness of the sample and possible medical reasons |
| Total number of sperm | 39 million in the ejaculate | an important parameter combining volume and concentration |
| Sperm concentration | 16 million/ml | reduction may require repeating the test and andrological evaluation |
| Progressive movement | 30% | important for natural fertilization |
| Normal morphology | 4% | low percentage of normal forms requires interpretation, including number and motility |
| Viability | 54% | especially important when motility is low |
| pH | 7,2 | deviations may require assessment in the context of volume and other parameters |
The biggest mistake is to read the result only through the prism of one number. The doctor assesses everything: concentration, total number, motility, morphology, viability, abstinence time, diseases, medications, lifestyle and history of trying to get pregnant.
The most common abnormalities in the seminogram
The semen test result may contain names that sound disturbing. It is worth knowing what they mean, but you should not draw conclusions without consulting them.
- Oligozoospermia - reduced sperm count.
- Asthenozoospermia - decreased sperm motility.
- Teratozoospermia - reduced percentage of sperm with normal structure.
- Azoospermia - no sperm in the ejaculate.
- Necrozoospermia - high percentage of dead sperm.
- Leukocytospermia - increased number of leukocytes, which may suggest inflammation.
Some abnormalities are temporary, for example after fever, infection, severe stress, stimulants or overheating of the testicles. Others may require hormonal diagnostics, testicular examination, evaluation of varicocele, or treatment of the underlying disease.
Does an abnormal result mean infertility?
Not always. An abnormal seminogram result increases the suspicion of male factor, but does not mean infertility. Sperm may vary from test to test, so in case of deviations, it is often recommended to repeat the seminogram after a time set by the doctor.
The partner's situation is also important: age, ovarian reserve, ovulation, patency of the fallopian tubes and gynecological diseases. Fertility diagnostics should include both partners so as not to waste time on a one-sided search for the cause.
What to do after receiving the semen test result?
It is best not to interpret the result yourself and not to accidentally start supplementation "for sperm". The first step is to discuss the result with the doctor, especially if the couple is trying to get pregnant, the result is incorrect or the test shows azoospermia, very low sperm count, leukocytes or significantly reduced motility.
After receiving the result, the doctor may suggest:
- repeating the semen test,
- hormonal tests, e.g. testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol - depending on the situation,
- urological examination and testicular evaluation,
- testicular ultrasound or evaluation for varicose veins spermatic cord,
- tests for infection, if there are symptoms or leukocytes in semen,
- lifestyle modification,
- referral to an infertility treatment center if the couple's situation requires it.
What can worsen sperm parameters?
Many factors influence semen parameters. Some are temporary, others require diagnosis and treatment. It is worth remembering that the sperm formation cycle lasts weeks, so the effects of lifestyle changes do not appear overnight.
Factors that may worsen semen parameters include:
- smoking and other stimulants,
- excessive alcohol consumption,
- obesity and low physical activity,
- overheating of the testicles, sauna, hot baths, work at high temperatures,
- sleep deficiency and chronic stress,
- certain drugs and anabolic steroids,
- varicocele,
- infections of the urogenital system,
- hormonal disorders,
- testicular diseases, surgeries, injuries or oncological treatment.
Do supplements improve semen test results?
Supplements are used by some men, but they should not replace diagnostics. If the cause of the poor result is varicocele, hormonal disorders, infection, testosterone deficiency, azoospermia or the effect of oncological treatment, supplementation itself may delay proper treatment.
Before starting supplements, it is worth consulting the result with your doctor. An andrologist or urologist can assess whether lifestyle changes, treatment of the underlying disease, further tests or indeed supplemental support are needed.
What does an andrology consultation look like after semen analysis?
The consultation begins with a discussion of the results and interview. The doctor asks about the duration of trying to get pregnant, previous diseases, surgeries, infections, medications, stimulants, work at high temperatures, physical activity, libido, erection, ejaculation and previous pregnancies or miscarriages in a relationship.
The visit may include:
- interpretation of a seminogram,
- assessment of whether the examination needs to be repeated,
- urological examination, if indicated,
- assessment of the testicles and suspected varicocele,
- ordering hormonal or infectious tests,
- discussion of lifestyle and risk factors,
- plan for further diagnosis or treatment.
If a couple is trying to have a child, it is also worth bringing information about the partner's diagnosis, duration of trying and current treatment.
Who should I contact on the Island of Friendly Medicine?
At the Friendly Medicine Island, a patient with a semen test result, suspected male infertility, varicocele, low testosterone or another andrological problem may start with a urological and andrological consultation.
urologist - scope of andrological consultations to be confirmed before publication
More about the doctor
If the seminogram was performed in an external laboratory, take the result with you to the visit. The doctor will help you assess whether the result is reliable, whether it requires repetition and what tests are worth performing next.
The most important information at a glance
- Semen analysis is a basic test in the assessment of male fertility.
- The seminogram assesses the number, motility, morphology and viability of sperm and ejaculate parameters.
- Most often, 2-7 days of sexual abstinence before the examination are recommended.
- A single result does not determine fertility or infertility.
- In case of incorrect parameters, it is usually worth repeating the test and consulting the result with a doctor.
- WHO 2021 Standards are reference values, not a simple "fertile/infertile" cutoff.
- Infertility diagnosis should include both partners.
Frequently asked questions
Does semen testing hurt?
No. Semen testing is non-invasive and involves submitting an ejaculate sample to a sterile container. The most difficult aspect for some patients is the psychological or organizational aspect, so it is worth asking the laboratory in advance about the conditions for submitting the sample.
How many days of abstinence before semen analysis?
Most often, 2-7 days of sexual abstinence are recommended before semen analysis. The exact requirements can be determined by the laboratory. It is important to maintain a similar abstinence period during subsequent tests, because it makes it easier to compare the results.
Does an abnormal seminogram mean infertility?
Not always. An abnormal result may suggest male factor, but semen parameters are variable and depend on many factors. In case of deviations, it is usually recommended to repeat the test and consult an andrologist or urologist.
Does proper semen analysis rule out fertility problems?
Not completely. Normal semen parameters are good information, but they do not exclude all causes of difficulties with conception. Diagnostics should also take into account the partner's situation, the duration of trying, an interview, a medical examination and sometimes additional tests.
When to repeat semen analysis?
If the result is abnormal, your doctor may recommend repeating the test after a few weeks or months, depending on the situation. Repeating is especially important if the first test was performed after an infection, fever, stress or with an error in sample preparation.
Can semen parameters be improved?
Sometimes yes, but it depends on the reason. Reducing stimulants, improving body weight, sleep, physical activity, treating infections, hormonal diagnostics or treating varicocele may help. First, it's worth determining why the result is incorrect.
Which doctor should I see with the results of the semen test?
With the results of the semen test, it is worth contacting an andrologist, urologist or a doctor specializing in male fertility diagnostics. The doctor will assess the result in the context of the interview, examination and the situation of the couple trying to get pregnant.
Do you have a seminogram result or are you planning a semen test?
Do not interpret the result yourself. An andrologist or urologist will help assess whether a repeat test, hormones, testicular ultrasound, or further diagnostics are needed.
Make an appointment for an andrological consultation →Summary
Semen analysis is a basic element of male fertility diagnostics. It assesses sperm count, concentration, motility, morphology and viability, but the result requires interpretation in a clinical context. One number does not predict fertility, and a single abnormal result often requires repeating.
If a couple is trying to have a child, the diagnostics should include both partners. In a man, not only the seminogram is important, but also the interview, urological examination, assessment of the testicles, lifestyle, medications, hormones and possible diseases such as varicocele or infections.
If you have a semen test result or are planning fertility diagnostics, schedule an andrology consultation in Gdańsk .
Read also
Sources and medical context:
- World Health Organization - WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen, 6th edition, 2021
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust - lower reference limits based on WHO 2021
- AUA/ASRM - Diagnosis and treatment of infertility in men: guideline part I
- Medical Journal of Australia, 2025 — evidence-based guidelines on male infertility
- Island of Friendly Medicine - andrological consultation
The article is for informational purposes and does not replace a medical consultation. The semen test result requires individual interpretation, preferably in combination with the interview, medical examination, the partner's situation and the time spent trying to get pregnant. The doctor decides about further diagnosis, treatment, supplementation or repeating the test during the visit.