If you wish to have a child and getting pregnant is not happening naturally, a semen analysis can be an accessible and important first step towards gaining insight into male fertility.
But what exactly does this test involve? What is tested? And what do the results mean for your chances of pregnancy?
¹Part of the OFO, or requested separately to assess sperm quality.
²Part of the OFO.
During a semen analysis, also known as a sperm test, we examine the quality of the sperm. In around 30% of couples with fertility problems, the cause lies (partly) with the man. A semen analysis is an important and accessible test to gain more clarity about male fertility.
An abnormal result does not automatically mean that a pregnancy is impossible. Sometimes there are natural fluctuations and a second test may be needed. Depending on the cause, we may recommend treatments or lifestyle changes, such as:
If the semen analysis shows that the sperm is of good quality, further tests may be needed to find other causes of reduced fertility. If an abnormality is found in the semen analysis, the doctor will advise you on possible fertility treatments such as IUI, IVF or ICSI.
A semen analysis is an accessible and important test to gain more clarity about male fertility.
Do you have any questions or would you like to book an appointment? Contact us. Together, we will look at the best route to fulfilling your wish to have a child!
Providing a semen sample for testing or treatment
For a semen analysis, insemination, IVF or sperm freezing (cryopreservation), the sample may be produced at home, provided it reaches our centre within 60 minutes of collection. In that case, we will give you a sterile sperm container labelled with your name and date of birth. This container with a blue lid is specially designed for collecting sperm and contains no harmful substances. Containers from your GP or pharmacy are not suitable for this and must therefore not be used.
If you live further away and cannot deliver the sample to us within an hour, we ask you to produce it on site. Our clinics have special rooms available for this. You will then receive the container from our laboratory, labelled with your name and date of birth.
Please note: for ICSI treatment, the sample must always be produced at our centre.
Yes, you can improve your sperm quality by living more healthily: stop smoking, limit alcohol, eat a varied and healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid being overweight and avoid excessive heat around the testicles. Reducing stress and avoiding harmful substances also contribute to better sperm quality. You can read more about this in our blog.
