Suggested protocols for semen collection and World Health Organisation (WHO) normal values
| Collection of a semen sample |
| Abstain for two to three days |
| Produce the sample by masturbation, not by coitus interruptus |
| Do not use condoms for collection of the sample or lubricant jellies |
| Use a wide mouth sterile plastic specimen pot to collect the sample |
| Mark the container clearly with the name, date and time of production, and the date of the immediate preceding ejaculation by coitus or masturbation |
| Deliver to the laboratory as quickly as possible |
| Protect the sample from extremes of temperature (<15°C or >38°C) during transport—do not keep at body temperature |
| WHO values 21 for “normal” semen analysis include |
| Volume 2 ml or more |
| Concentration, 20 million/ml or more |
| Motility, 50% progressive motility or more |
| Morphology, 15% or more normal forms |
| White blood cells, <1 million/ml |