Medically reviewed by Dr. Shweta Agarwal, MBBS, DGO. Last updated: June 2026.
Information on this page is educational and does not replace a medical consultation. Outcomes depend on individual clinical factors.
How should I prepare for a semen analysis?
Prepare with 2 to 5 days of sexual abstinence before the test — this window gives the most reliable, representative result. Ejaculating less than 2 days before can lower the measured count, while waiting more than about 7 days can reduce motility.
In the days before the test:
- Abstain for 2–5 days (no more, no less, for the most accurate result).
- Avoid alcohol and smoking in the week prior where possible.
- Avoid starting new medications; tell your doctor about any you take regularly.
- Stay hydrated and well-rested, and avoid a high fever in the preceding weeks (fever can temporarily lower sperm quality).
If you have had a fever or illness recently, mention it — your doctor may suggest timing the test accordingly.
How is the sample collected? (Privacy)
The sample is collected by masturbation into a sterile container provided by the clinic. A private, comfortable room is available at the centre for collection, so you do not need to travel with a sample. The process is confidential and handled with discretion.
If you prefer to collect at home, the sample must reach the lab within 30–60 minutes, kept close to body temperature (not refrigerated) and protected from cold, as delays and temperature changes affect the result. Lubricants and ordinary condoms should not be used, as they can damage sperm; the lab can advise on a suitable collection method.
Your privacy is protected throughout — collection, handling and reporting are kept confidential.
What parameters does a semen analysis measure?
A semen analysis assesses several parameters together to build a picture of sperm quality, evaluated against WHO reference values:
| Parameter | What it measures |
|---|---|
| Volume | The amount of semen in the sample |
| Sperm concentration (count) | Number of sperm per millilitre |
| Total & progressive motility | The percentage of sperm moving, and moving forward effectively |
| Morphology | The percentage of normally shaped sperm (strict criteria) |
| pH | Acidity/alkalinity of the semen |
| Liquefaction time | How quickly the sample liquefies |
| White blood cells | A marker of possible infection or inflammation |
Together these indicate whether a male factor may be contributing to difficulty conceiving. A single test is not a diagnosis — see below.
For a detailed, plain-language explanation of each number and what counts as a normal range, read our guide: Semen analysis: what your numbers mean.
When is a semen analysis recommended?
A semen analysis is recommended in several situations — it is not only for couples facing infertility:
- Difficulty conceiving: After 12 months of trying (or 6 months if the female partner is 35 or older). It is part of the complete couple fertility workup.
- Before fertility treatment: To plan IUI, IVF or ICSI.
- Before sperm freezing or fertility preservation (for example, before cancer treatment).
- To confirm a vasectomy has worked (no sperm remaining).
- Known risk factors: Previous testicular injury, undescended testes, infection (such as mumps), or scrotal surgery.
How long does it take, and how accurate is one test?
Sample collection and lab processing typically take 1–2 hours, and a written report is usually ready the same day. Your results are then reviewed with you, in the context of your full history, before any conclusions are drawn.
One abnormal result does not confirm infertility. Sperm parameters naturally fluctuate with illness, fever, stress, and lifestyle. When a result is abnormal, the test is usually repeated after about 4–6 weeks to confirm the finding before any treatment is recommended. If results remain abnormal, further evaluation for male infertility — hormone tests, scrotal ultrasound, or genetic tests — may follow, and treatment is matched to the cause (for example, surgical sperm retrieval with ICSI for azoospermia).
How much does a semen analysis cost?
A semen analysis is a modest, standalone diagnostic test, priced separately from any treatment. You are told the cost before booking, and a repeat or confirmatory test (if advised) is discussed transparently.
See /costs-emi for current pricing information.
If treatment is later needed, you receive a transparent written estimate, and 0% EMI (3–24 months) is available. See IVF cost & 0% EMI for treatment pricing.