A semen analysis is one of the simplest tests in fertility care and one of the most often skipped. Male factor plays a role for many couples, so we include it in every complete workup.
How the test works
You give a sample in a private room at the clinic, after two to five days without ejaculation. Our andrology lab reads it within the hour: volume, concentration, how many sperm move forward and how many have a typical shape.
Reading the results
Results are compared with World Health Organization reference ranges. A single result outside the range is common and often normal on a second sample, because illness, fever, heat and stress affect sperm for about three months. If anything is low, we repeat the test before drawing conclusions.
What happens next
Mild changes often still allow IUI. Lower counts point toward IVF with ICSI, where one sperm is placed into each egg. Very low or absent sperm leads to a visit with our reproductive urologist about hormone tests, imaging and options for retrieving sperm.
Price
A semen analysis costs $175 self-pay and is covered as a diagnostic test by most plans.
