Semen analysis is used to check male fertility by analysing the count, movement (motility), and shape of the sperm.
Semen analysis looks at your sperm under a microscope to see if they are healthy enough to fertilise an egg.
In the UK, around one in seven couples struggle to get pregnant and research shows male and female infertility are equally common factors.
A common cause is low sperm count or motility of the sperm.
Although producing a semen sample can be an unusual experience, it’s a straightforward and easy process.
At TFP Fertility, we specialise in IVF. We combine 35 years of fertility experience with exceptional patient care and empathy.
We pride ourselves on short wait times, transparent pricing options, and clinics that are easy to get to wherever you are.
Booking your semen analysis with us is one of the best ways to understand your fertility and the likelihood of successful conception.
You’ll be seen quickly, have your results explained thoroughly and we’ll never rush you.
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for some time without success and are keen to know if there’s a problem, you can get referred to us by the NHS for semen analysis or refer yourself.
When you book an appointment and visit us, you will be shown to one of our calm and comfortable private rooms where you have as much time as you need to produce a sample by masturbation.
Alternatively, you have the option to produce a sample at home, if this is more convenient for you.
We take your sample to one of our laboratories where we test your sperm thoroughly by our trained technicians and provide results on the same day.
You’ll have another consultation with one of our experienced clinicians to discuss your results and what to do next.
Male infertility can affect people of all ages and lifestyles.
Most couples get pregnant within one year of having if they are having intercourse regularly and aren’t using contraception.
It’s a good idea to get your sperm checked if you’ve been trying to get pregnant for some time without success.
You might not have any symptoms or noticeable signs that you have a problem with your sperm. Your ejaculate may seem normal even if you have a fertility problem.
A semen analysis is a simple way to see if your sperm quality is affecting your chances of pregnancy.
If you’re not sure whether you should get your sperm checked, our expert clinicians can provide guidance.
After you provide your sample, we quickly take it to our laboratory to examine your sperm, including how many sperm cells are in your semen (sperm count), their shape and motility.
Our laboratories are well equipped to carry a range of additional screening techniques to develop a full picture of your sperm health.
Once we have your results, we’ll give you a detailed review of:
Your current fertility and how likely pregnancy is
Any conditions that are affecting your sperm
Whether you and your partner need treatment and which one is the most likely to be successful
Whether you should consider storing your sperm
At TFP Fertility, we discuss your results with you in-depth and together we can build a fertility plan personalised to you and your partner.
Before your semen analysis with TFP Fertility, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need to feel prepared and get the best possible sample.
Our general advice is to:
Avoid ejaculation for two to five days before the test
Drink less alcohol
Don’t smoke or take any drugs
This will help provide a healthier sample.
When you book an appointment and arrive at our warm and welcoming clinic, you will be given a sample pot and shown to a private room.
We make sure you have as much time as you need to produce a sample by masturbation.
You simply leave the pot in the production room alongside the form with your details.
It’s not every day that you have to do something like this, and it can be a strange experience.
Don’t worry if you aren’t able to produce a sample. With TFP Fertility, you can always rebook without charge.
You can also produce your sample at home, provided you can get it to us in less than one hour, otherwise this could affect the accuracy of your results.
There are a number of causes of either having a low sperm count, decreased motility or absent sperm in the ejaculate.
An abnormal sperm test may be due to medical conditions, different medications, and lifestyle factors, in some cases, there isn’t a clear answer.
If your semen analysis is abnormal, we’ll look at your medical history and recommend another test if it’s required.
Male subfertility doesn’t mean that you can’t have a child.
At TFP Fertility, we offer the most successful and advanced treatments to give you the best possible chance of pregnancy.