Introduction
If you haven’t conceived after months of regular, unprotected intercourse, it may be the right time to check your sperm health. A semen analysis, also called a sperm count test, is the first step. During this test, your embryologist measures the total number of sperm in your semen and evaluates their shape and movement. These markers reflect your reproductive health and identify the underlying cause of infertility in men. In this blog, we will discuss the method of sperm count testing, how to interpret test results, and ways to improve your sperm count naturally.
What is Sperm Count?
Sperm count refers to the number of sperm present in one milliliter of semen and is a primary indicator of male fertility. It is often expressed as sperm concentration, which indicates the number of sperm (in millions) per milliliter of semen. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), a normal sperm count is 16 million per milliliter or higher. Anything below this level indicates low sperm count, also known as oligozoospermia. Studies also show that sperm count, motility, and morphology gradually decline with age, particularly after the late 30s. So, if you want to know whether your sperm count falls within the normal range, the next step is to get a sperm count test. The following section will explain how the process works.
How is Sperm Count Tested?
Sperm count testing involves measuring the number of sperm and evaluating other parameters that affect male fertility. Before the process begins, you must submit proof of your identity, such as your Aadhaar card, to your chosen fertility clinic. After verifying your identity, here’s how the sperm count analysis will move forward:
1. Preparation before Collection:
- Avoid intercourse or masturbation for 2 to 7 days before sample collection.
- Urinate before collecting the sample to prevent contamination.
2. Sample Collection:
- The most common method of collection is masturbation, performed either in a secluded room at your chosen fertility clinic or at home. You are asked to collect the semen directly into a sterile container provided by the clinic, labelled with your name.
- If you choose not to masturbate due to personal or religious reasons, the clinic will provide you with a non-lubricated condom for intercourse. After ejaculation, you are asked to carefully transfer the semen into the sterile container provided by the clinic.
3. Handling the Sample:
- Do not touch the inside of the container or add semen that spills outside, as this may contaminate the sample.
- Keep the sample at room temperature and avoid exposure to different temperatures.
4. Sample Submission:
- Deliver the sample to the clinic within 1 hour of collection for an accurate sperm test report.
5. Laboratory Analysis of Your Sample:
Once the lab receives your semen sample, it will examine the following:
- Sperm count (concentration): Number of sperm per milliliter of semen.
- Motility of sperm: Percentage of sperm that move actively and progressively.
- Sperm morphology: Shape and structure of your sperm under a microscope.
- Semen Volume: Total amount of semen collected.
- pH and Vitality: Semen acidity and percentage of live sperm.
6. Test Report:
- Your semen sample is assessed within an hour for an accurate report. So, most clinics deliver sperm count testing reports within 24 to 48 hours. However, some may even provide results the same day.
In the next section, we’ll explain how you can interpret these test results before your healthcare provider has a look at them.
Understanding Sperm Test Results
A sperm count analysis may seem complicated at first glance. However, the table below lists the normal ranges for semen characteristics according to the World Health Organization 2021 guidelines. So, you can easily identify the underlying cause of infertility after your sperm count testing using this table:
| Semen Characteristics | Interpretation |
| Volume | Normal if ≥ 1.4 mL; Low if < 1.4 mL (Hypospermia: low semen volume) |
| Concentration | Normal if ≥ 16 million/mL; Low if < 16
(Oligozoospermia: low sperm count) |
| Total sperm number | Normal if ≥ 39 million; Low if < 39
(Low total sperm count) |
| Total motility | Normal if ≥ 42%; Low if < 42% (Asthenozoospermia: poor sperm movement) |
| Progressive motility | Normal if ≥ 30%; Low if < 30% (Poor forward movement) |
| Morphology | Normal if ≥ 4%; Low if < 4%
(Teratozoospermia: abnormal sperm shape) |
| Vitality | Normal if ≥ 54%; Low if < 54% (Necrozoospermia: more dead sperm) |
| pH | Normal if ≥ 7.2; Low if < 7.2 (Acidic semen) |
After semen characteristics, most lab reports also include details on the types of sperm assessed, which reflect their shape (morphology) and movement. Here’s what these will mean:
- Normal forms: Sperm with an ideal shape and structure are a prerequisite for fertilization. WHO considers ≥ 4% normal forms as acceptable for fertility.
- Abnormal forms: These are sperms with defects in the head, midpiece, or tail. If more than 96% of sperm are abnormal, the morphology is considered below the normal range and may affect your chances of conception.
- Non-motile sperm: Sperms that are alive but cannot move, reducing their ability to reach and fertilize an egg naturally, are non-motile. WHO states that non-motile sperm should be less than 58%.
Thus, a normal morphology score of ≥ 4% normal forms is enough for natural conception in most cases, even though it sounds low. So, now that you can easily interpret your sperm test report, the next step is to adopt natural ways to improve your sperm count naturally which we will cover in the following section.
How to Improve Sperm Count Naturally
Sperm production takes about 74 days, which means it can take 2–3 months to notice improvements in sperm health. This is the approximate time you should allow before trying to conceive after making lifestyle changes. Once sperm count testing shows lower-than-recommended levels, a combination of the following tips can help improve your sperm quality naturally:
- The first step to improving sperm production is through proper nutrition. That’s why consuming specific nutrients linked to better sperm count, motility, and overall quality can help. A 2021 study shared how you can do the same:
| Nutrient | Food sources | Function |
| Coenzyme Q10 | Fatty fishes like salmon and tuna, sesame seeds, chicken, beef, and whole grains. | Improves sperm motility (movement). |
| Zinc | Oysters, meat (beef), pumpkin seeds, and legumes. | Supports testosterone production and the formation of sperm. |
| Selenium | Eggs, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, and cottage cheese. | Improves the morphology (shape) of sperm. |
| L-Carnitine | Red meat, dairy products, and avocados. | Improves sperm motility. |
| Vitamin C and E | Citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, nuts, and seeds such as almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds. | Improves motility and morphology of sperm. It also protects sperm from oxidative stress. |
- Being overweight is also associated with lower sperm concentration and motility. However, weight loss through regular exercise and a balanced diet can improve your overall semen parameters.
- Excessive exposure to smoking, alcohol, drugs, and toxins can also impair sperm motility and increase abnormalities. It is advised to avoid these when you are trying to conceive.
- Get adequate sleep (7-8 hours) to promote hormonal balance during this crucial phase. You can also practice yoga or meditation to manage stress.
- Avoid frequent exposures to high heat, such as jacuzzis and saunas, as elevated temperatures can reduce the production of sperm.
Follow these tips consistently, and you may notice improvements in sperm quality within 2-3 months. You can even track your progress using fertility health apps to stay on top of your goals.
If you want to know more about male infertility issues, read the blog: Male infertility causes and treatments
Conclusion
A good sperm count is very important for a natural and healthy pregnancy. If you’re struggling with poor sperm quality, don’t let it become a barrier to your journey of fatherhood. Start sperm count testing to identify the root cause and take the proper steps. You can also consult at the best fertility center in Kolkata and Pune, Femcafe Fertility. So, just call us at +919967050566 or +918484069668, and we’ll help you build the family you’ve always dreamed of!