Patient guide
Understanding Your Semen Analysis Report
A plain-language guide to reading a semen analysis report — what normal ranges mean and what options exist if parameters are outside range.
WHO 2021 Normal Reference Values
- Volume: ≥ 1.4 mL
- Total sperm count: ≥ 39 million
- Concentration: ≥ 16 million/mL
- Progressive motility: ≥ 30%
- Normal morphology (Kruger): ≥ 4%
- Vitality: ≥ 54% alive
Common Diagnoses
- Oligozoospermia: Low count — mild (<16M), moderate (<5M), severe (<1M)
- Asthenozoospermia: Low motility
- Teratozoospermia: Low morphology
- OAT syndrome: All three combined — most common combined diagnosis
- Azoospermia: No sperm
What to Do Next
- Mild OAT: IUI after sperm preparation; lifestyle changes
- Moderate OAT: IVF with ICSI
- Severe OAT: IVF/ICSI; sperm DNA fragmentation test
- Azoospermia: Hormonal workup, testicular biopsy (mTESE)
Improving Sperm Quality
- Stop smoking — damages DNA and motility
- Avoid heat: no hot baths, tight underwear, or laptops on lap
- Antioxidants: CoQ10 200 mg, vitamin C 1000 mg, zinc, selenium
- Allow 3 months for supplements to take effect (one sperm cycle = 72 days)