Semen Analysis » More about

More About Semen Analysis

During evaluation of a semen sample, measures other than sperm number, motility and morphology are taken. Some of these can be very important indicators of a problem, while others are basic measures that are rarely abnormal.

Volume

Measured in milliliters (mL), this is the amount of ejaculate produced. It varies from about 2 to 6 mL (roughly one-half to a little more than one teaspoon). About 95% of the volume is made of secretions of the prostate and seminal vesicle glands. Since only about 5% comes from the testes (with sperm cells), the volume barely changes after a vasectomy. If the volume is too low, there may not be enough contact between semen and the cervix for sperm to make their way into the female tract.

White Blood Cells

White blood cells (WBCs or Leukocytes) are normally found in semen in low numbers. But when present in higher numbers (over one million per mL - or maybe even less), they can indicate an infection, or more likely an inflammatory (immune system) response. Inflammation may or may not be associated with pain, but always carries the possibility that the sperm cells are being damaged.

Other SA Measures

The pH (acidity), viscosity (fluidity), liquefaction (homogeneity), color, and numbers of red blood cells and immature sperm cells are also noted.

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