Male fertility plays a crucial role in successful conception, and one of the most effective ways to evaluate it is through a semen analysis test. This test gives detailed insight into the quality and quantity of sperm, helping identify potential issues related to infertility in men thus also known as Infertility test for men. Whether you’re planning to start a family or undergoing fertility evaluation, understanding the semen test procedure, report interpretation, and related factors is essential.

What is Semen Analysis Test?

Semen analysis test or sperm count test or male fertility test is a test, which is performed in the laboratory to check the fertility of a man by examining the semen (fluid containing sperms) after ejaculation. It checks some parameters like:
  • Sperm count: Sperms per sample.
  • Sperm motility: Sperm movement.
  • Sperm morphology: Shape and form of sperms.
  • Semen volume: Volume of semen in one ejaculation.
  • Semen pH and sperm viability (live or dead sperm).
A semen analysis is employed to diagnose causes of decreased sperm count, abnormal Sperm motility and viability, or dysmorphic appearance, the most frequent causes of male infertility.

Why Is a Semen Analysis Test Done?

Physicians request a semen analysis for a variety of reasons:

  • Male fertility test: If the couple is not conceiving for a period of one year, semen analysis is typically the first test in the male when conception is hard to achieve.
  • Post-vasectomy check: To ascertain no sperm remains after surgery.
  • To ascertain success with reversal of vasectomy.
  • To ascertain quality of sperm before trying assisted conception procedures like IVF or IUI.
These are all the reasons that can damage the quality or quantity of sperm. Abnormality of hormone, infection, genetic illness, and varicocele may damage it. Semen analysis identifies them when they begin forming.

Preparation for Semen Analysis

Preparation must be made so that there are good semen analysis test results. This is How to prepare for semen analysis:

  • Abstinence prior to test: Avoid Ejaculation abstinence before test 2 to 5 days prior. Short time intervals lead to lower sperm count, and longer time intervals decrease the motility of the sperm.
  • Avoid alcohol use, cigarette smoking, and consumption of illicit drugs a few days prior to test.
  • Notify your physician if you are on medication or supplements.
  • Consumption of a lot of water and healthy life during the day, stress and thirst will lower the quality of sperm.
You can be asked to provide the semen sample either in the laboratory by masturbation in a separate room or at home on special instructions. If at home, bring to lab within 30-60 minutes and maintain the body warm.

Semen Test Procedure

Semen test is short, isolated, and painless:

  • Semen is usually ejaculated over masturbation into a clean cup. It is sometimes ejaculated during intercourse by using a special condom.
  • The sample is taken to the lab to be tested in an effort to maintain Normal sperm motility.
The laboratory technologists perform the following tests:

  • Semen volume analysis (normal: 1.5 mL or greater)
  • Sperm count (normal: 15 million or greater per mL)
  • Motility (40% or greater of the sperm must be moving)
  • Sperm morphology test(optimum shape and form of at least 4% of the sperm)
  • Semen pH level, consistency, and white blood cell or fructose content.

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What to Expect After the Semen Test?

After you provide your semen sample for the test, you will know the test result within a few days' time. Painful and risk-free. No side effect and back to your normal routine the very moment you give the test.
Sometimes, if the test report is doubtful or borderline, your doctor may ask for re-test after a few weeks to take the decision.

Semen Analysis Report Interpretation

Semen analysis report contains certain parameters with normal value. Semen analysis interpretation of report can decide the fertility status:

  • Sperm count: Oligospermia (sperm deficiency) may decrease the chances of becoming pregnant.
  • Motility: Sperm should travel and effect egg fertilization in a normal manner. Poor motility (asthenozoospermia) can undermine fertility.
  • Morphology: Morphologically defective sperm may not penetrate the egg.
  • Volume: Decreased volume of semen could be due to blockage or hormone deficiency.
  • pH level: pH level outside the range (7.2–8.0) could be due to infection or infected ejaculatory duct.
Your doctor will put all these results into perspective with your history and physical examination to determine if fertility treatment or additional testing is necessary.

Conditions Diagnosed through Semen Analysis

Semen test is a crucial diagnostic aid for:

  • Azoospermia: Absence of sperm from semen.
  • Oligospermia: Low sperm count causes.
  • Teratozoospermia: Abnormally shaped sperm.
  • Asthenozoospermia: Dysfunction of sperm.
  • Infection and inflammation: Presence of white blood cells in semen.
  • Hormonal imbalance: With semen abnormality and hormone level.
  • Genetic disorders: Such as Klinefelter syndrome, with infertility and oligospermia symptoms.

Semen Analysis Test vs Sperm DNA Fragmentation

Though both are testing male fertility, both are done for a different reason. A semen analysis test is testing sperm count, motility, morphology, volume, and other physical traits of semen. It is a rapid test to test overall sperm quality and is often the first in fertility testing.

On the other hand, Sperm DNA fragmentation test is seeking integrity of genetic material of sperm. Even in cases of seemingly normal semen analysis, DNA fragmentation is elevated and has subsequent effects on fertilization, embryonic development, or risk of miscarriage.

In clinical practice, semen analysis tests quantity and appearance, and DNA fragmentation tests quality of genes. Both can be prescribed together, usually in unexplained infertility, recurrent failed IVF, or recurrent miscarriage. Both together help fertility doctors to choose the most optimal conception treatments.

Semen Analysis Test Price in Pakistan

A semen analysis test is differently charged depending upon the city, diagnostic center, and type of test that is performed. The test charges range between PKR 1,500 to PKR 3,500 on average. Major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad might have slightly higher charges, particularly at advanced or high-end fertility centers.

The cost can further rise if a repeat test is ordered, or if an advanced or sophisticated test such as sperm DNA fragmentation or viability testing needs to be done. Celebrity or renowned labs cost more since they have more sophisticated machinery, experienced personnel, and comprehensive reporting.

Book lab tests from the best-certified labs in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, and get a discount of up to 35%. For assistance, call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the right lab test for your health needs.