Any abnormal, numerical parameter is highlighted in red on the Semen Analysis Report. Abnormal parameters usually indicate that the measured value is below the reference range specified by the World Health Organization and/or testing laboratory. Abnormal parameters can include and indicate:

- Volume: The volume is a product of the prostate and seminal vesicles. Therefore, a volume below 1.5 ml may be indicative of a reduced gland function or an obstruction or absence of physiological structures leading the sperm out of the reproductive tract.

-pH: The pH results from the aforementioned glands and can therefore also reflect on glandular activity or structural defects. Similarly, the pH can be affected by an infection in which case the pH would appear increased.

-Concentration: The threshold set by the World Health Organization for concentration is 16 million/ml. A low count can be caused by lifestyle choices, obstructions, structural anomalies, infection, inflammation, genetic abnormalities or febrile illness.

-Motility: Motility is assessed for progressive motility (threshold ≥30%) and total motility (≥42%) which is the addition of progressive and non-progressive motile sperm. Motility can appear low due to lifestyle choices, i.e. smoking, febrile illness, infection or genetic anomalies, i.e. Cystic Fibrosis.

Morphology: This parameter assesses the look of sperm and is therefore an indicator for fertilisation success. During the morphology assessment, the scientist assesses the shape of the sperm including the head, midpiece (neck) and tail, the size of the acrosome and presence of excess residual cytoplasm (sign of incomplete spermatogenesis that can affect DNA integrity of the sperm).

Anti-sperm antibodies (MAR): The MAR test assesses an immune reaction of sperm to antibodies (usually IgG and/or IgA). A reaction may be positive (>10-15%) should the testes have experienced trauma whereby the body has had a chance to form an immune response to sperm. Positive reactions can also be due to a current infection and may impair sperm motility and Zymot processing success.

Even though one or more parameters may be out of range, this does not mean that the sperm cannot successfully fertilise an egg. Most abnormal parameters can be improved by a change in lifestyle, medication or hormone supplementation.

Please do contact us with any questions and we will be happy to help.