Male Infertility: Causes and the Semen Analysis Workup

Male infertility can arise at several points: a lack of hormone production from the brain, blockage of sperm transport (obstructive azoospermia), a problem with sperm production itself (often from infection or varicocele), or erectile or ejaculatory problems, sometimes caused by medications. Both partners are evaluated together, at the same time.

Semen analysis parameters

A normal semen analysis shows a sperm concentration of at least 15 million per millilitre, motility of at least 40%, and normal morphology of at least 4%. Sample collection technique matters: the sample should be collected in a private room near the lab, after a minimum of two and a maximum of seven days of abstinence, since the initial part of the sample contains the highest sperm concentration.

This article is based on a Jivo Masterclass session conducted by Dr. Parul Prakash, Head, Reproductive Medicine (IVF), Artemis Hospital, Gurugram. The article has been summarised with the assistance of an AI tool from the original masterclass recording. Watch the full Masterclass recording

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