Semen analysis results: what do the values mean?

Have you had a semen analysis? Then you will receive a result with several values. But what does the result of a semen analysis say about sperm quality and fertility? In a semen analysis, several characteristics of the sperm are assessed. The values are always considered together. So a single number never tells the whole story. 

Which values are included in a semen analysis result?

In a semen analysis, various characteristics of the sperm are examined. Three important values are: 

• Volume: the amount of semen in millilitres.  
• Concentration: the number of sperm cells per millilitre of semen.
• Motility: the percentage of sperm cells that move well.  

Together, these values are also known as the VCM value (total motile sperm count), and they say something about fertility. A high concentration, for example, does not say everything if only a small proportion of the sperm cells move well. Conversely, a lower concentration can go hand in hand with sperm cells that move very well. That is why the result of a semen analysis is always looked at as a whole.

What are normal values for a semen analysis?

We are often asked what the VCM value says about your sperm and what a normal VCM value is.

As a general guide, the following ranges are often used:

• VCM of 10 million or higher: usually a normal number of motile sperm cells.
• VCM of 3 to 10 million: may indicate slightly reduced sperm quality.
• VCM of 1 to 3 million: the number of motile sperm cells is clearly reduced.
• VCM below 1 million: sperm quality is severely reduced.

A lower VCM does not automatically mean that a natural pregnancy is impossible. That is why the doctor always assesses the full semen analysis result and your personal situation. 

How do you read a semen analysis result?

When you look at the result, it is tempting to focus mainly on whether a value is high or low. However, you cannot draw any conclusions about your fertility from a single value. 

The doctor looks at the combination of the different results. The rest of the fertility assessment is also taken into account. An abnormal value therefore does not automatically mean that a natural pregnancy is not possible.

Can the result of a semen analysis vary?

Yes. Sperm quality can vary. Illness, fever, lifestyle and certain medicines can affect semen quality. As a result, a second semen analysis may show different values from the first. If the result is abnormal, it may therefore be necessary to repeat the semen analysis.

What does the result mean for fertility treatment? 

The result of the semen analysis can be a factor in choosing a fertility treatment. In doing so, we always look at the complete fertility assessment and your personal situation. 

Depending on the result, options such as IUI, IVF or ICSI may be discussed. With a good or mildly reduced number of motile sperm cells, IUI may be used. If the number of motile sperm cells is clearly reduced, IVF may be a next step. With severely reduced sperm quality, ICSI may be considered. 

Semen analysis at Nij Clinics 

If a pregnancy does not happen naturally, a semen analysis may be part of the fertility assessment. We look not only at the VCM, but also at other characteristics of the sperm. 

Are you being treated at Nij Clinics? Then your doctor will discuss the result with you. Together, you will look at what the values mean for your situation and which next steps may be appropriate.