Semen analysis reference values (WHO criteria)57
| Normal value | Description of abnormality | Further specialist tests to be considered if abnormal | |
| Semen volume | ≥1.5 mL | Oligospermia | Consider obstructive causes/CBAVD-CFTR mutation Aspermia (no ejaculate)—assess prostate and for retrograde ejaculation with post-ejaculatory urine analysis |
| pH | ≥7.2 | ||
| Sperm concentration | ≥15 million spermatozoa per mL | Oligozoospermia <15 million Severe oligozoospermia <5 million Azoospermia (no sperm) |
If <10 million:
Endocrine evaluation (FSH / LH / 10 am fasting testosterone) / clinical examination /US Doppler for varicocele If <5 million: Chromosomal analysis/PCR for Y microdeletions |
| Total motility | ≥40% motile | Asthenozoospermia | Anti-sperm antibody Sperm viability and membrane test |
| Vitality | ≥58% live spermatozoa | ||
| Morphology | ≥4% normal forms | Teratozoospermia | Sperm penetration assay |
CBAVD, congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens; CFTR, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator; FSH, follicle stimulating hormone; LH, luteinising hormone; US, ultrasound.