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Male fertility tests
A male fertility test starts with a semen analysis, carried out in our own laboratories in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines. Following the analysis, you will have a consultation with one of our fertility specialists who will explain your results and discuss your options. The entire process typically requires just one or two visits to our clinic.
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Do I need a male fertility test?
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for a year or more, or you are planning fertility treatment, a male fertility test is usually the first step. Problems with sperm are the most common cause of male infertility, and a semen analysis shows whether sperm count, movement or shape could be affecting your chances.
You need to have completed a fertility assessment before you can start fertility treatment. It takes just one or two visits to our clinic to complete all the necessary investigations.
What we test for in semen analysis
We usually only require a single sample, but we may ask for a repeated sample to double-check anything that looks abnormal.
Sperm count (density) - how many sperm are in your sample.
Sperm movement (motility) - how well your sperm swim.
Sperm shape (morphology) - size and shape of your sperm.
Volume and pH - The amount of semen and its acidity.
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What happens at a male fertility test?
You may be nervous for your fertility test, which is completely normal.
Here's what you can expect at your fertility assessment:
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Step 1 - Checking in to the clinic
If you have been referred to us through the NHS, you’ll simply need to leave your referral form with reception when checking in. If you're a private patient, we do ask for payment upon arrival.
Once you've checked in, a member of our laboratory team will collect you from reception and show you to one of our private production rooms. They will provide you with instructions for producing your sample.
Step 2 - Producing your sample
Some patients suffer anxiety over producing a sample. This reaction is quite common.
Don't be alarmed if you can’t produce a sample on a particular day. You can always rebook your appointment (at no extra cost) or take the pot home for a less clinical environment.
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Producing the sample at home
If you do decide to produce a sample at home, please ensure:Â
You use the pot provided by TFPÂ Fertility
The sample is not exposed to hot or cold temperaturesÂ
Our laboratory receives it within one hour of it being produced Â
Step 3 - Semen analysis
After you've provided your sample, we carry our a semen analysis to assess the following:Â
The likelihood of achieving a pregnancy with your partnerÂ
Which treatment is the most appropriate for you and your partner Â
If there are any problems with your sperm that may require medical help to achieve a pregnancy
All of our semen analyses are performed using World Health Organisation guidelines.
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Step 4 - Follow up consultation
After your semen analysis, we will book you in for a consultation the following week. In this consultation, we will talk you through your results and recommend and explain any treatment options that may benefit you.
Of course, there is no obligation to go ahead with treatment following your consultation.
How can I make sure my sample is the best it can be?
It’s important to know that missing the pot or incorrect abstinence can significantly affect the results of your semen analysis. If either is the case, please ensure a member of our laboratory staff is made aware.
Abstain from ejaculation for the correct number of days
Eat a healthy diet full of antioxidants
Exercise regularly
Refrain from smoking
Ensure the whole sample is in the pot (especially the first part).
Avoid / lower your alcohol and drugs intake. Ask your doctor if your prescription drugs can affect sperm count.
Can I get a male fertility test on the NHS? 
Male fertility tests are avaialble on the NHS, but access depends on where you live and your local eligibility criteria. You can also have a male fertility test privately with TFP Fertility, without a GP referral.
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Through your GP
Semen analysis on the NHS is usually arranged through a GP referral, so it’s best to speak to your doctor first. Appointments typically take around three to 12 weeks to come through, though waiting times vary by area and can change.
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Privately with TFP
Private fertility testing can be more convenient and often quicker. You don’t need a GP referral, and appointments are frequently available within a couple of weeks. You’ll also have a consultation with one of our fertility experts to discuss your results in detail. Although private fertility care involves a cost, several funding options are available to help make treatment more affordable.
At-home sperm test kits or a clinic test?
At-home fertility tests are gaining popularity among individuals seeking insights into their fertility. However, results may differ from those provided by doctors or fertility specialists. Here, we explain which options may be suitable for you. Male fertility tests are avaialble through the NHS, however this depedns on several factors. Here we ecokain the processes.
At-home sperm tests may be suitable for people who are not yet trying to conceive but want to learn more about their fertility for the future. They can provide useful insights into sperm concentration and movement, but the information they offer is more limited than that provided by a clinic-based semen analysis. Results may be inaccurate and depend on factors such as how carefully you follow the instructions and the testing environment. Home-test kits also cannot diagnose any underlying medical conditions that may affect fertility.
Clinic-based tests are carried out in a controlled environment by fertility specialists. Although home-test kits can be a useful first check, a clinic semen analysis provides a more comprehensive picture of your fertility health. The test measures sperm concentration, motility, morphology, volume and pH. You will also have the opportunity to speak with a fertility specialist, ask questions and discuss any appropriate fertility treatments.
Sperm density
How accurate are male fertility tests?
The average sperm count is between 16 and 300 million sperm per millilitre. Using the semen analysis (or sperm count), our specialists can give a strong indication of the health and viability of your sperm against these averages and any likely infertility.
How much does a male fertility test cost?
The cost of the semen analysis is ÂŁ205, and the follow-up consultation is ÂŁ265. However, it’s important to note that there may be additional costs if further tests are required. Â
Visit your local TFP Fertility clinic page for more information on our pricing, treatment packages and payment options available.
Where to get a male fertility test
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Dr Pedro Melo
Consultant Gynaecologist and Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine, TFP Oxford Fertility · Reviewed 12 October 2026
Demonstrated Experience
- ·Over 10 years of experience in fertility, reproductive science and fertility care.
- ·Trained in Lisbon and Paris before completing a distinction-level MSc in Clinical Embryology at Oxford and a PhD in Reproductive Medicine at Birmingham.
- ·Awarded the British Fertility Society Young Clinician Prize in 2022, and the RCOG William Blair Bell Fellowship in 2023.
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