Semen Analysis
A semen analysis is a simple, non-invasive test used to assess the health and quality of sperm to understand male fertility and reproductive health. The sample is usually collected at home, in a sterile container, following straightforward instructions provided by your consultant.
What is semen analysis?
A semen analysis (often referred to as a sperm count test) is a specialist laboratory test that assesses sperm and semen quality. The test provides vital information about sperm count, motility (how well sperm move), morphology (sperm shape), and other semen parameters. This helps our fertility and urology specialists understand your reproductive health and any potential challenges you might come up against when trying to conceive.
Semen analysis is often the first step in diagnosing male fertility issues, but it can also be used to confirm the success of a vasectomy.
A semen analysis assesses several key factors, including:
sperm count – the number of sperm per millilitre of semen
sperm motility – the percentage of moving sperm and their efficiency
sperm morphology – the size and shape of sperm
volume of semen – the amount of semen produced during ejaculation
pH Levels – this determines if the semen is too acidic or alkaline, which can affect sperm survival
white blood cell concentration – high levels may indicate infection or inflammation
liquefaction time – the time taken for semen to change from a gel to a liquid form, which affects sperm mobility
At Welbeck, we provide confidential, respectful care for male fertility at our dedicated Men’s Health centre. Our specialists use the latest laboratory standards in certified andrology facilities to deliver accurate results. With access to a wide range of experts from fertility, urology, and endocrinology teams, we deliver integrated, personalised care under one roof, helping you move forward with confidence.
More information
A semen analysis is a straightforward, quick, and non-invasive test. After your consultation with one of our fertility specialists, you’ll receive a sterile container and clear instructions for collecting your sample at home.
Once ready, you’ll book an appointment directly with the laboratory to submit your sample within one hour of collection. Keep the container close to body temperature, such as in a trouser pocket, while transporting it.
The laboratory will then examine the sample under a microscope to assess the key parameters. Your consultant will review the findings and discuss the results with you at a follow-up appointment.
What results should a normal semen analysis show?
The results of a healthy semen analysis should show:
sperm count: 15 million or more per millilitre
motility: at least 40% of sperm should be moving
morphology: at least 4% of sperm should have a normal shape
volume: 1.5 to 5 millilitres per ejaculation
pH Level: between 7.2 and 8.0
A semen analysis is very safe, and there are no physical risks associated with producing and submitting the sample.
We appreciate that there may be emotional or psychological stress in awaiting results, so we ensure to get your results to you as quickly as possible.
A single test result may not always reflect your typical sperm production, so it’s possible that repeat testing may be needed.
To ensure you provide the sample that will give the most accurate results, we advise you to:
abstain from ejaculation for 2 to 5 days before the test, but no longer than 7 days
avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco before the test, as they may affect sperm quality
not use any lubricants, lotions or other products when producing the sample, as they can contaminate the sample and interfere with sperm motility
ensure you collect the sample directly into the sterile container provided
make sure the sample stays at body temperature (for example, in a pocket) and deliver it to the laboratory within an hour
inform your consultant if you’ve had a recent illness, as this can temporarily affect sperm quality
The test itself doesn’t require any recovery time, and you can return to normal activities, including sexual activity, as soon as you feel comfortable.
If your semen analysis results are outside the normal range, your Welbeck fertility specialist will talk you through what this means and outline possible next steps. Depending on the findings, your consultant may recommend lifestyle changes, further investigations, or a repeat test after a few months. This is because sperm production follows a cycle of around 3 months, and results can vary over time.
Where appropriate, your specialist may also discuss medical treatments or assisted conception options such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF), where an egg is fertilised in a laboratory to increase the chances of conception.
We understand that fertility challenges can be emotionally difficult. Working closely with our multidisciplinary Welbeck network, your consultant can arrange fast access to counselling or mental health support if you would find this helpful at any stage of your care.
Please contact our Men’s Health centre for pricing.
At Welbeck, our reproductive specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
We accept self-referrals for semen analysis, or you may be referred by either your GP or a fertility specialist following a consultation with them.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, stress, fatigue, or anxiety can have a short-term effect on sperm quality and motility. Feeling nervous about the test is completely normal, but our team will do everything possible to put you at ease. We recommend planning your appointment for a calm day, getting enough rest, and avoiding alcohol or excessive caffeine beforehand. If your results are borderline or unexpected, your consultant may suggest repeating the test at a later date to ensure an accurate picture.
Yes, but it’s important to tell your consultant about all medicines and supplements you’re taking. Some medications (such as testosterone, anabolic steroids, chemotherapy drugs, and certain antibiotics) can temporarily affect sperm production or motility. Your specialist will review your medication list and may recommend adjusting or delaying the test if any substances could influence the results.
Yes, in many cases, a low sperm count can improve with the right care and lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking or vaping, staying well hydrated, and reducing heat exposure to the testicles (for example, by not using hot tubs and saunas, or wearing tight underwear) can all help optimise sperm production.
If an underlying condition or hormonal imbalance is contributing to the problem, your consultant may recommend medication or targeted treatment. After your semen analysis, your Welbeck specialist will create a personalised plan to support your fertility and help you take practical steps towards improving sperm quality.
Yes, while men can remain fertile well into later life, sperm quality naturally declines with age. From around the age of 40, there can be gradual changes in sperm count, motility (movement) and morphology (shape). DNA fragmentation within sperm cells can also increase over time, which may make conception take longer and, in some cases, slightly raise the risk of pregnancy complications. If you’re planning to have children later in life, your consultant at Welbeck can arrange a comprehensive semen analysis and provide clear, evidence-based advice on optimising your reproductive health.