Science Behind Sperm Test: What Do The Numbers Mean?
Many people think of infertility as a silent struggle. Yet, it is a loud wake-up call for millions of couples trying to conceive. Not many know this, but up to 50% of infertility problems are caused due to male factors. Despite these significant statistics, sperm health often goes unnoticed until problems arise. Here, a sperm test is crucial in evaluating male fertility issues. This test counts more than the number; it assesses both the quantity and quality of the sperm.
Let’s explore what a sperm count test reveals about your health through these numbers!
Sperm Count Test: Basics
A sperm count test measures the number of sperm cells in a semen sample, usually measured in millions per millilitre. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy sperm count should be above 15 million per millilitre. However, sperm count is only one part of the men’s fertility equation! Their fertility also depends on
- Motility (movement)
- Morphology (shape)
- Vitality (percentage of live sperm)
Let’s take a closer look at each of these key factors that a sperm test analyses.
Understanding Key Factors Of Sperm Health
- Sperm Count
This is the measurement of the number of sperm cells present in one millilitre of semen. As mentioned earlier, a count of 15 million sperm per millilitre or more is considered normal.
However, if the count is less than 15 million sperm in 1 millilitre of semen, this could indicate oligospermia, which can negatively impact fertility in men.
And, in some rare instances, an extremely high sperm count (ranging from 650 million/ml to 1.75 billion/ml) can cause polyzoospermia (a condition with too many sperm present in the semen). This condition can negatively affect fertility and lead to issues such as sperm dysfunction. Additionally, it may also increase the risk of miscarriage due to an abnormal sperm count.
- Sperm Motility
Sperm motility is basically how well sperm can swim through the female reproductive tract to reach the egg. Issues with sperm movement can lower the chances of successful fertilisation. The movement can also be:
- Progressive: Sperm moves in straight lines or large circles.
- Non-progressive: Sperm shows erratic movement or moves in tight circles.
- Immotile: Sperm does not move at all.
- Slow or Sluggish: Sperm moves slowly.
A semen sample is considered to have low sperm motility if fewer than 40% of the total motile sperm or fewer than 32% of sperm display progressive motility. And this can significantly impact fertility in men.
- Sperm Vitality
Also called sperm viability, is the percentage of live sperm present in a semen sample essential for fertilisation. A healthy semen sample, therefore, should have a minimum of 58% of viable sperm since non-viable sperm cannot contribute to conception.
- Sperm Morphology
Sperm morphology refers to the shape and structure of sperm. Ideally >4% of sperm should have a smooth, oval head and a long tail; abnormalities like an ill-formed head or defective tail may reduce fertility.
What Do These Numbers Mean?
These numbers give you a better understanding of your sperm health and fertility. Regular testing with LifeCell’s SpermScore helps you monitor key factors like sperm count, motility, morphology, and vitality. Thus, guiding you to take proactive steps to safeguard your reproductive health—all from the privacy and convenience of your home.
Why LifeCell’s SpermScore?
LifeCell’s SpermScore is an easy-to-use self-collection semen analysis that assesses 11 sperm health parameters and 14 conditions. You’ll receive smart reports directly on your personalised dashboard—no lab visits are required.
In Summary
Getting a sperm test goes beyond just tracking numbers—it’s about taking control of your fertility and overall well-being. Regular testing keeps you informed and helps you take the right steps toward creating the family you envision in future. So, don’t put it off—prioritise your reproductive health today!
If you have any questions about LifeCell’s semen analysis kit, feel free to check out their website at www.lifecell.in.
