Diagnostic Test
Semen Analysis
A semen analysis checks the health, count, and movement of your sperm. It is a straightforward and vital test used during fertility investigations or to confirm a successful vasectomy.
Key Takeaways
- A semen analysis checks the health, count, and movement of your sperm. It is a straightforward and vital test used during fertility investigations or to confirm a successful vasectomy.
- We offer specialist interpretation and related treatments. Book a consultation to discuss your options.
Overview
About Semen Analysis
A semen analysis, often referred to as a sperm count test, is a laboratory evaluation of a semen sample. It is a highly effective, non-invasive test that looks closely at the health and quality of your sperm.
Instead of looking at the fluid as a whole, the laboratory specialist uses a microscope to analyse three critical factors: how many sperm you have (sperm count), how effectively they move (motility), and whether they are shaped correctly (morphology).
Test Information
Understanding Your Test
A detailed guide to your diagnostic procedure — from essential preparation and the purpose of the test to safety considerations and what to expect during the process.
To perform this test, you will need to provide a fresh sample of semen in a sterile specimen container.
You can usually choose to collect the sample in a private room at the clinic or hospital. The sample is produced through masturbation; it is important not to use standard lubricants, condoms, or saliva, as these can inadvertently damage the sperm cells before they reach the microscope. You should have abstained from ejaculating for between 2 and 5 days prior to producing the sample.
The test is completely painless and carries no physical discomfort at all.
However, many men find the process of producing a sample on demand to be emotionally awkward, clinical, or stressful. Healthcare teams understand this completely and provide maximum privacy, discretion, and support to make the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Fertility Investigations: If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for 12 months or more without success, this is one of the very first, essential steps. Male factor issues contribute to around half of all conception difficulties.
Vasectomy Follow-up: If you have had a vasectomy, this test is used a few months after your procedure to check that there is no longer any sperm left in your semen, confirming that the procedure has been fully successful. You must continue to use alternative contraception until your doctor tells you that it is safe to stop.
At a glance
Preparation required
- Abstinence window: You must not ejaculate (through sex or masturbation) for between 2 and 5 days before your test. Too short a window can lower your sperm count, while too long a window can reduce sperm movement.
- Do not use ordinary condoms, lubricants, or lotions to collect the sample, as they contain chemicals that kill sperm.
- Ensure you wash your hands well before collecting the sample to avoid contamination.
Risks or considerations
- There are zero physical risks or side effects associated with this test.
- A semen analysis checks the count, movement, and shape of your sperm. This painless test helps investigate fertility or confirms a successful vasectomy. You will need to provide a fresh sample to the lab after 2 to 5 days of abstinence.
- Bear in mind that the semen analysis results can vary a lot from one day to the next. Therefore ideally before deciding whether there is a long term reduction in your sperm count, you should have two sperm tests three months apart.
What it can help diagnose
- A lower-than-average sperm count (oligozoospermia)
- Sperm that have difficulty swimming or moving effectively (poor motility)
- Sperm with unusual shapes, which makes it harder to fertilise an egg (abnormal morphology)
- A complete absence of sperm in the fluid (azoospermia)
- Confirmation of sterility following a vasectomy procedure
Our Commitment
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Every test is delivered to the same standard: senior consultants, a personalised plan, and the safety of an accredited private hospital behind you.
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Patient Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this test and what to expect
3 questions
Results are usually processed quite quickly, and a detailed report is typically sent to your GP or fertility consultant up to 14 working days.
Reviewed 31 May 2026
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Yes. Because it takes around alignment of 74 days for your body to produce new sperm, a high fever or flu a few weeks ago can temporarily lower your sperm quality. Always let your doctor know if you have been unwell recently. It is for this reason that we would always recommend two collections at least 3 months apart.
Reviewed 31 May 2026
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An unusual result does not mean you cannot have children. We would always recommend a second test to confirm the findings, after which a specialist can talk you through your options. Even is both tests reveal no sperm, it can still be possible to find sperm at surgery for most men where there is a blockage, and for around 40% of men where there is a problem with sperm production where the testes are not working properly.
Reviewed 31 May 2026
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