What is the normal sperm density?

Many men think that as long as their penis can discharge sperm normally, it is normal, and they don't care about the quality and density of sperm. In fact, this is wrong. We should first understand what the normal value of sperm density is, and then test whether we are within the standard range. Next, let's learn more. I hope that through the editor's introduction, everyone can have a general understanding.

Experts point out that the normal sperm density is 20 million to 60 million/ml. When sperm and semen are abnormal and the sperm density is lower than this normal value, it may cause male infertility. If the sperm density of a man is lower than 20 million/ml, it is generally considered to be a manifestation of oligospermia.

Oligospermia refers to a disease in which the number of sperm in the semen is lower than that of a normal fertile male. The International Health Organization stipulates that the male sperm count should not be less than 20 million per milliliter. If it is less than 20 million, it is classified as oligospermia, which will have a great impact on fertility.

The common cause of oligospermia is poor sperm production in the testicles, resulting in a low number of sperm. Such people have small testicles and feel soft. Some oligospermia patients have normal testicles and can produce enough sperm, but the sperm transport channels are not completely smooth and cannot be fully discharged, thus causing oligospermia. A small number of young people have excessive sexual intercourse. They mistakenly believe that increasing the number of sexual intercourse will increase the chances of fertility, but contrary to their wishes, they develop oligospermia.

1. Semen volume: Normal ≥ 2ml. If it is more than 7ml, it is too much, not only the sperm density is reduced, but also it is easy to flow out of the vagina, resulting in a decrease in the total number of sperm, which is common in seminal vesiculitis; less than 2ml is too little semen, but usually less than 1ml is too little.

At this time, the contact area between semen and the female reproductive tract is small, or the viscosity makes it difficult for sperm to enter the female's cervix, leading to infertility. This is common in severe paragonitis, low testosterone levels, ejaculatory duct obstruction, retrograde ejaculation, etc.

2. Color: Normal color is off-white or slightly yellow. Milky white or yellow-green indicates inflammation of the reproductive tract or accessory glands; pink, red, or red blood cells under a microscope indicate bloody semen, which is often seen in inflammation of the accessory glands and posterior urethra, and occasionally in tuberculosis or tumors.

3. Acidity and alkalinity: The normal pH value of semen is 72-78. Less than 7.2 is seen in ejaculatory duct obstruction or urine contamination; greater than 78 is seen in seminal vesiculitis or old specimens.

4. Liquefaction time: After normal semen is ejaculated, it becomes jelly-like under the action of seminal vesicle coagulase, and becomes liquid under the action of prostate liquefaction enzyme after 15 to 30 minutes. This is semen liquefaction. If semen still does not liquefy 30 minutes after ejaculation, it is abnormal.

5. Viscosity: When a glass rod is placed in contact with liquefied semen and gently lifted, a semen thread will be formed. Normally, its length is less than 2 cm.

6. Sperm count: It is generally expressed as the number of sperm per milliliter of semen. The normal count is ≥20×106/ml. If the count is lower than this value, it means there are too few sperms, which is seen in spermatogenesis disorders caused by various reasons. It may cause low fertility or infertility due to the reduced chance of sperm entering the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. If the sperm count is greater than 250×106/ml, it means there are too many sperms, which may also cause infertility due to the affected motility.

7. Sperm morphology: Sperm with normal morphology ≥ 50%, otherwise it may cause infertility.

8. Motility: ≥50% of sperm move rapidly forward in a straight line.

9. Survival rate: usually refers to the examination within 1 hour after ejaculation, and the live sperm ≥ 50%. Common causes of reduced sperm motility and survival rate include paragonitis, varicocele, cilium syndrome caused by chronic respiratory tract infection, the presence of antisperm antibodies in semen or improper specimen storage.

10. White blood cells: Normal white blood cells in semen are <1×106/ml. Leukocytosis indicates infection in the reproductive tract or accessory glands.

Through the introduction of the above professionals, we know that the normal sperm density of men is 20 million to 60 million/ml. Men who want to know whether their sperm density is normal or not can go to a regular medical institution for testing. After the results come out, they can compare them to know whether they are within the normal range. If they are abnormal, they need to receive treatment.