Semen analysis
Male infertility is the second biggest cause of infertility (after advanced age of the egg provider). If you are having trouble falling pregnant, or if you just want to check your sperm health, consider having a semen analysis at Monash IVF.
At Monash IVF, semen analysis forms a core component of comprehensive fertility assessment. Whether you’re at the beginning of your fertility journey or seeking confirmation after a vasectomy, understanding this test empowers you to take informed steps toward your goals.
What is a semen analysis?
Semen analysis is a laboratory test that evaluates the quality and quantity of sperm in a sperm sample. Monash IVF includes semen analysis as a standard component of a complete fertility assessment, ensuring both partners receive a thorough evaluation. It measures several key parameters that influence fertility.
This test can give you accurate information about:
- Sperm concentration – the number of sperm per millilitre of semen, with normal values at least 15 million per mL
- Sperm motility – how well sperm move, including progressive forward movement essential for reaching the egg
- Sperm morphology – the shape and structure of sperm, which affects their ability to penetrate an egg
- Semen volume – the total amount of fluid produced, typically greater than 1.5 mL
- pH level – the acidity or alkalinity of semen, normally between 7.2 and 8.0 to support sperm vitality
Your clinician may also add on other measures of sperm health, including:
- Sperm DNA Fragmentation (Halosperm): measures the level of DNA damage inside your sperm
- Anti-sperm antibodies: to see if your sample contains specific proteins that may attack your own sperm and damage it, or block natural fertilisation
How to prepare for a semen analysis
Before you book your semen analysis, you’ll need a request form from your GP or fertility specialist.
Good preparation improves the accuracy and reliability of your semen analysis. Following these guidelines helps ensure your results truly reflect your fertility potential.
Preparation checklist
- Before you book your semen analysis, you’ll need a request form from your GP or fertility specialist.
- Abstain from ejaculation for 2-7 days before the test (ideally 2-3 days) to obtain a representative sperm count, aligning with WHO recommendations
- Avoid artificial lubricants, saliva, or oils when producing the sample—these can damage sperm and skew results
- Skip saunas and very hot baths in the weeks before testing, as elevated temperature affects sperm production
- Avoid recreational drugs and limit alcohol consumption in the lead-up to your test
- Postpone testing if you’ve had a fever or acute illness recently, as this can temporarily reduce semen quality
- On the day of your semen analysis, you need to bring your request form from your GP or fertility specialist into the clinic with you.
- Samples must be produced by masturbation without lubricants (many are toxic to sperm) or by using a special semen collection condom, which is available for collection from the Monash IVF Andrology team.
Semen samples produced outside the clinic
If you are not comfortable producing a sample in one of our clinics, you can do so outside of the clinic and deliver it to our Monash IVF andrology laboratory.
It is important that you have an appointment for dropping off your sample to ensure staff are available on the day to perform the test.
You must produce your sample by masturbation without lubricants (many are toxic to sperm) or by using a special semen collection condom, which is available for collection from the Monash IVF Andrology team. The sample must be collected in a sterile container, which is available from Monash IVF.
Deliver the sample to Monash IVF, preferably within 30 minutes. Maintaining body temperature during transport helps preserve sperm motility. Keeping the container close to your body (such as in an inside pocket) during transit can help achieve this.
When you drop off your sample, you need to have your request form from your GP or fertility specialist. Learn more about the semen analysis testing process here.
Who should consider a semen analysis?
Semen analysis for fertility is appropriate for any man or person with testes who is concerned about their reproductive capacity or planning to start a family.
Common scenarios for testing
- Couples unable to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse (or 6 months if the female partner is 35 or older)
- Men with relevant medical historyincluding undescended testes, testicular surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or significant genital trauma
- Those experiencing sexual difficultiessuch as erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, or retrograde ejaculation symptoms (cloudy urine after orgasm)
- Men planning assisted reproduction,including IVF, ICSI, or donor conception arrangements
- Fertility preservation candidatesbefore cancer treatment or other medical interventions that might affect sperm production
- Post-vasectomy confirmation to verify procedure success
- Vasectomy reversal assessment to evaluate sperm return after reversal surgery
- Male patients seeking proactive testing who want to understand their reproductive health before actively trying for pregnancy
Book a semen analysis at Monash IVF
To arrange your semen analysis at Monash IVF in Victoria, call our Andrology team on 1800 731 672.
To arrange your semen analysis in other states, please contact your local Monash IVF clinic.
Please note: regional patients can access semen analysis from their local pathology company. Your Monash IVF clinic can recommend a preferred laboratory in your region.
Frequently Asked Questions About Semen Analysis
Start your fertility journey
Wherever you are on your journey, one of our supportive nurse enquiry team members can help you understand your options and take the next step. These conversations are free and informative.