II. Technique: Sample Collection
- Man avoids masturbation and intercourse for 48-72 hours
- Sample delivered within 2 hours of ejaculation
- Keep sample cool in refrigerator
- Some labs require sample within 45 minutes
- Repeat abnormal samples in 2-3 months at special lab
- Three month interval between tests reflects a >2 month sperm generation time
III. Labs: Normal Samples (Reference Ranges)
- Volume: >1.5 to 2 ml or higher
- pH: 7.2 or higher
- Sperm concentration: >15-20 million per ml
- Total sperm number: >40 mIllion per ejaculate
- Initial Sperm Motility >50%
- Total Sperm Motility: >40%
- Progressive motility (forward movement): >32%
- Normal Sperm Morphology: >4-14% strictly normal
- Vitality: 58%
- White Blood Cells <1 Million per ml
IV. Interpretation: Definitions
- Oligospermia
- Sperm Count <15 million per ml
- Suggests Hypogonadism (see Male Infertility for evaluation)
- Asthenozoospermia
- Sperm Motility in <40%
- Teratozoospermia
- Normal morphology <4%
- Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia Syndrome (OAT Syndrome)
- All three abnormalities (Oligospermia, Asthenozoospermia and Teratozoospermia) are present
- Suggests genetic etiology for Infertility
V. Interpretation: Findings predictive of fertility
- Sperm Count (concentration): >48 million per ml
- Initial Sperm Motility: >63%
- Normal Sperm Morphology: >12%
VI. Interpretation: Findings suggestive of Infertility
- Sperm Count (concentration): <13.5 million per ml
- Initial Sperm Motility: <32%
- Normal Sperm Morphology: <9%