Behind the scenes in our advanced fertility laboratories, our andrology team performs essential work, managing all aspects of sperm and semen testing with precision and expertise.
Our andrology teams play a critical role in the care of sperm-producing individuals, operating within a state-of-the-art lab to perform essential tests and procedures.
Semen analysis evaluates factors like sperm count, motility, and morphology, offering vital insights into fertility challenges and guiding treatment decisions.
Our laboratories are equipped with the latest, scientifically-supported technologies and are safeguarded by strict and effective protocols. This commitment ensures the highest levels of safety and security, not only within our labs but throughout every aspect of patient care.
By maintaining these rigorous standards, we provide our patients with the confidence that their treatment journey is supported by cutting-edge technology and the most reliable safety practices.
The andrology team’s work is essential to the success of fertility treatments. Their expertise in evaluating and handling sperm samples ensures every step of the process is optimized, giving patients the best possible chance of achieving their family-building goals.
We expect the sperm count in a semen sample to be between 15 million to 300 million (or more) per milliliter. If this number is low it could indicate blockages preventing sperm flow or that the testicles are not producing sperm properly, making it more difficult to conceive.
We are looking for sperm with normally shaped heads and tails. While it’s typical for most sperm in a sample to be abnormal in shape, when less than 4% are normal it can contribute to infertility.
More than 40% of sperm in a semen sample should have normal swimming movement. If enough sperm aren’t swimming as expected, it will impact the likelihood of fertilization.
TMC is one of the best predictors of male fertility. This value is the sperm concentration multiplied by volume multiplied by motility.
Normal pH levels in a semen sample are between 7.2 and 7.8. When semen pH is more basic (a pH higher than 8.0) it can indicate infection. More acidic semen (a pH lower than 7.0) may indicate a contaminated sample or blocked ejaculatory ducts.
The expected volume of a semen sample is between 1.5 - 5 milliliters (mL). A lower volume typically correlates to less sperm available to fertilize an egg. Volumes below 1.5 mL indicate blockage(s) or problems with the seminal vesicles or prostate.
While semen is initially viscous, its ability to liquefy in a short amount of time helps sperm to move. If semen does not liquefy in 15 to 30 minutes, fertility could be affected.