Where to get sperm count done

A doctor can provide a special condom that allows a person to collect a semen sample during sexual activity. Otherwise, a doctor may recommend that the person ejaculates into a collection cup while at home. When collecting a sample at home, people must remember to keep it at room temperature and bring it to the laboratory within a short timescale after collection.

The American Association for Clinical Chemistry recommends that medical professionals carry out 2 or more separate sperm analyses within 2- to 3-week intervals. As sperm profiles can vary from day-to-day, an average of these results may give the most accurate picture of sperm health.

A sperm analysis looks at several factors when considering the health of the sperm. We discuss these factors and their results below. Sperm count refers to the number of sperm that are present in 1 ml of semen.

World Health Organization WHO guidelines suggest that a normal sperm count is at least 15 million per ml or no fewer than 39 million sperm per sample. Having less than this indicates a low sperm count.

Some research suggests that up to 90 percent of male infertility issues result from abnormal sperm counts. Home sperm analysis kits usually only test for sperm count. As this is just one aspect of male fertility, it is important that people see their doctor and get comprehensive sperm analysis to check for other factors affecting their sperm.

Sperm motility is the ability of the sperm to move efficiently. In a typical sample, at least 50 percent of the sperm will demonstrate normal motility. Morphology refers to the size and the shape of the individual sperm. Normal sperm have a long tail and oval-shaped head. Abnormally sized or shaped sperm can have difficulty reaching, penetrating, and fertilizing the egg.

Normal semen contains a minimum of 4 percent sperm with standard form. Although sperm count, motility, and morphology are three of the main factors that medical professionals will check when assessing male fertility, they are not the only factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC advise that a slightly abnormal sperm analysis does not mean that a person is permanently infertile. Instead, doctors can use the results as a tool to help identify what factors are causing fertility issues.

People who receive abnormal results from a semen analysis typically undergo further testing to help identify the exact issue. If the semen sample does not contain any sperm, people may be able to stop using condoms and other forms of birth control , as pregnancy is unlikely.

However, if sperm is still present, people should continue using contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancies. They may need further sperm analysis tests until their semen no longer shows the presence of sperm. Wash them with soap and then rinse them with a lot of water.

You need to be a purist. This includes saliva. You will need to ejaculate directly into a sterile container provided by your clinic or lab. Avoid touching the inside of the cup and try to get the first part of your ejaculation in the cup, as it is thought to be the most sperm-rich. If any semen spills, do not attempt to transfer it to your cup.

Make sure your name, date of birth, time and date of your sample is clearly printed on the cup. Many clinics will put a sticker from your medical chart on the cup and lid.

Be sure to check that it is correct. This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. You May Also Like. Building Your Family in We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience and your privacy is very important to us. It's a good idea for both you and your partner to get advice, as fertility problems can affect men and women and often it's a combination of both.

It's important to understand what the exact issue is before you decide on your next steps. This is where a sample of semen is analysed to check the quality and quantity of the sperm.

The results are usually available within a week. If the results are not normal, the test should be repeated to ensure it was accurate. This will normally be performed after 3 months. Your GP can refer you to a specialist in male infertility at your local hospital or fertility clinic if any problems are found. There are several male fertility home-testing kits available to buy from pharmacies. These tests claim to indicate whether your sperm count is low.

It may be tempting to try one of the tests if you would rather not see your GP, but you should be aware that:. While these tests might sometimes give a useful indication of your sperm count, they may also give you false reassurance or may suggest your sperm count is low when it's actually perfectly normal.

It's better to see your GP for a proper semen analysis at an accredited laboratory if you're concerned about your fertility.

See how to use self-test kits safely for more about the issues of home-testing. If you or your partner has been diagnosed with a low sperm count, there are several options available. Your doctor may initially suggest trying to conceive naturally for a little longer. Many couples conceive within the second year of trying.