Health Science: How to interpret normal semen values?

The most important issue for many men is whether they are healthy and whether they can create a baby of their own. An important criterion for measuring whether a man can have children is male semen. In the reports of various routine examinations, we can see whether we are healthy. What are the various indicators that we need to check during the process of routine male semen examination?

1. Semen volume

The amount of semen discharged by a normal man each time should be 2-5 ml. If it is less than 1 ml, it will have a certain impact on fertility. Less than 0.5 ml is often more likely to cause infertility.

2. Liquefaction time

Whether the semen can liquefy can determine whether the person is infertile. The semen that has just been discharged is in a jelly-like state, but it will generally liquefy within 20-30 minutes at room temperature. If the liquefaction time is prolonged, it is usually considered to be caused by low prostate secretion function, which will affect the activity of sperm.

3. Sperm Motility

Sperm motility under a microscope can be divided into four levels: A is fast, straight forward movement; B is slow or non-directional forward movement; C is non-forward movement; D is inactivity. If the sperm motility is A ≥ 25% or A + B ≥ 50%, it is generally believed that there is no effect on fertility.

4. Sperm density

The normal sperm density of semen is 20 million to 60 million per milliliter. If the sperm density is normal but the semen volume is too small, resulting in a low total sperm count, it can cause low fertility; conversely, if the total sperm count is normal but the semen volume is too high, resulting in a decrease in sperm density or even less than 20 million per milliliter, it can also cause a decrease in fertility.

5. Sperm morphology

Abnormal sperm in normal semen can reach 30%-40%. If the sperm deformity rate is greater than 70%, it will cause infertility.

6. Acidity and alkalinity (pH value)

The normal pH value of semen is 7.2-8.0. When the pH is <7.0 or >8.0, it can affect sperm motility and is also the main cause of sperm death.

The main purpose of semen examination is to understand the function of testicular sperm production, the function of accessory sex glands in promoting sperm maturation and their secretory function. Only semen analysis can accurately assess male fertility and provide reliable basis for the etiology diagnosis of male infertility, other diseases of the reproductive system, male contraceptive drug research and forensic medicine.

It is necessary for male friends to have a routine semen test. But before the test, we still need to pay attention to many things. First of all, we should abstain from sex for a period of time according to our age. In addition, during this period of abstinence, we should be more careful not to have spermatorrhea. In addition, before the test, we must pay attention to our living habits and not drink alcohol.