Semen Analysis 101: What It Is and Why It’s Vital for Fertility Diagnosis
When couples begin exploring fertility testing, many are surprised to learn just how common male factor infertility is. In fact, male-related issues contribute to nearly half of all infertility cases. A comprehensive fertility evaluation should always include a semen analysis—an essential first step in understanding male reproductive health.
At Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine (SCCRM) in Newport Beach, we believe in a whole-person approach. From state-of-the-art diagnostics to personalized care plans, our team is here to guide both partners with clarity and compassion.
What is a semen analysis?
A semen analysis is a lab-based test that measures the quality and quantity of sperm in a semen sample. It’s used to detect any issues that might affect a man’s ability to conceive—such as low sperm count, poor motility (movement), or abnormal morphology (shape).
Even if a man has previously fathered a child, a semen analysis is still a critical part of the fertility workup. Semen parameters can change over time due to age, health, medications, or environmental factors.
Why is a semen analysis important?
If you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if the female partner is over age 35) without success, a semen analysis is strongly recommended. Identifying male factor infertility early can:
Shorten time to diagnosis
Avoid unnecessary or ineffective treatments
Help build a faster, more targeted path to pregnancy
Think of it as a low-cost, high-impact test that can spare you from months of guesswork.
What does a semen analysis measure?
A semen analysis evaluates a comprehensive range of sperm health indicators, including:
Sperm concentration – number of sperm per milliliter of semen
Motility – how well sperm move based on percentage of motile sperm to total sperm percentage
Morphology – sperm shape and structure of the sperm based on percentage of normal sperm to total sperm
Volume – total amount of semen in the sample
pH level – to detect imbalances
Vitality – proportion of living vs. dead sperm
Viscosity and liquefaction time – measures how fluid the semen becomes after ejaculation
White blood cells – can indicate infection or inflammation
Abnormalities – including azoospermia (no sperm) or oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (low count, movement, and shape)
These results offer a comprehensive picture of male fertility and are key to determining next steps in your fertility plan.
How do I prepare for a semen analysis?
Proper preparation helps ensure accurate results. Here’s how to get ready:
Abstain from ejaculation for 2–4 days before the test (longer or shorter may skew results)
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and hot tubs leading up to the test if possible
If collecting at home, keep the sample at body temperature and deliver it to the lab within 60 minutes
Alternatively, you may produce the sample onsite at the Ovation Fertility Lab in Newport Beach
Our team will provide step-by-step instructions to make the process smooth and stress-free.
What if my semen analysis results are abnormal?
Abnormal results don’t automatically mean infertility—and one test is rarely the whole story. If your results fall outside the normal range, your doctor may:
Recommend a repeat test to rule out temporary fluctuations
Refer you to a reproductive urologist for additional testing, which may include:
Hormone panels (FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin)
Genetic testing (Karyotype and or Y-Microdeletion)
Scrotal ultrasound
DNA fragmentation testing
Infectious disease screening
Physical Examination
These evaluations help pinpoint the root cause and determine the best course of action for your fertility treatment.
Medical contributions by
Robert E. Anderson, M.D.
Double board-certified
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
With over 30 years experience in the field of Reproductive Medicine, Dr. Robert Anderson has developed a highly successful approach to the treatment of every type of fertility problem. He has been practicing in Orange County longer than any other Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist.
Don Royster, M.D.
Double board-certified
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
With over 15 years of experience as an OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) specialist, Dr. Don Royster joined SCCRM after serving on active duty in the United States Air Force for over 20 years, retiring at the rank of Colonel. He has performed over 6,000 surgeries and delivered over 1,000 babies with deployments and humanitarian missions across the globe.