Semen Analysis

An abnormal result does not automatically mean infertility. Your physician will look at all of your results together, since sperm measurements naturally vary and can be affected by factors like recent illness, stress, or lifestyle.

Illume’s Andrology Lab currently uses the following reference values:

• Sperm concentration: 15 million sperm/mL or higher
• Motility: about 40% or more moving sperm
• Morphology: 4% or more normally shaped sperm
• Semen volume: 1.5 mL or more

Being below one of these reference points does not mean pregnancy is impossible.

Depending on your overall results, your physician may recommend repeating the semen analysis or completing additional testing to better understand what may be affecting sperm health.

Not necessarily. Results within expected ranges are reassuring, but semen analysis evaluates only certain aspects of fertility.

A normal result does not guarantee pregnancy because conception depends on many factors, including egg quality, ovulation, reproductive anatomy, timing, and other individual circumstances. Your physician will consider your semen analysis as one part of the complete fertility evaluation.

Yes, for a semen analysis, a designated partner may deliver your sample to Illume Fertility on your behalf. If you collect at home, the sample should be kept as close to body temperature as possible and delivered to the office within 45 minutes, following all instructions provided by your Care Team.

Note: This partner-delivery exception applies specifically to semen analysis; other types of sperm specimens may need to be delivered by the sperm source. 

They can. Cigarette smoking and other tobacco or nicotine exposure have been associated with lower sperm concentration, motility, and sometimes morphology. Cannabis use has also been linked to changes in sperm count, motility, and morphology in some studies, although the evidence is less consistent.

Other factors that may affect sperm health or semen analysis results include:

• Recent illness or high fever
• Certain prescription medications or supplements
• Testosterone or anabolic steroid use
• Heavy alcohol use
• Heat and some environmental or occupational exposures

Tell your physician about any recent illness, medications, supplements, nicotine or cannabis use, and other relevant lifestyle factors. This helps your Care Team interpret the results in context and decide whether repeat testing or additional evaluation is appropriate.

Yes. In some cases, you may be able to collect your sample through intercourse at home using a special collection condom.

Because the correct materials and handling instructions are important, contact your Care Team before your appointment to arrange this collection method.

Learn more about fertility care for Orthodox Jewish patients.

At-home sperm tests may provide basic information, such as sperm count, but they generally do not evaluate the same range of measurements as a comprehensive laboratory semen analysis. If you have fertility concerns or receive an abnormal at-home result, professional testing is recommended.