Semen analysis (sperm test)

What the test is for

The NHS lists semen analysis among the “Tests to find out the cause of infertility in men”, and says it is “to check for problems with sperm, such as a low sperm count or sperm that are not moving properly.”

The UK fertility regulator, the HFEA, makes a point that surprises many men: “The amount you ejaculate is not linked to the amount of sperm in your semen.”

How the result is used

The result feeds directly into the choice of treatment. On IVF, the HFEA says “IVF is carried out when the sperm quality is considered to be 'normal'”, and “If there are issues with the sperm quality such as low motility or numbers, a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may instead be used”. See ICSI.

Where no sperm is found at all, the HFEA says a clinic may recommend surgery if “your semen analysis shows no sperm”. The TESA, PESA and micro-TESE pages cover the ways sperm can then be collected.

A semen sample is also the starting point for sperm-selection add-ons: the HFEA describes IMSI as “a non-invasive test performed on a semen sample as an additional step in the ICSI process.” Whether it is appropriate in a particular case is a clinical decision for the treating doctor. This directory does not make that judgement.

What to expect

On a first visit for male fertility problems, the HFEA says “Initially you'll probably just be asked to answer a few questions and your genitals may be examined.” and “If necessary, you may then be asked at a later date to have some blood tests or produce a sperm sample (if you're able to).”

This directory does not interpret results or publish reference ranges. The broader male fertility pages are gathered under andrology.

Questions

What does a semen analysis check?

The NHS says it is “to check for problems with sperm, such as a low sperm count or sperm that are not moving properly.”

Does a low volume mean a low sperm count?

The HFEA says “The amount you ejaculate is not linked to the amount of sperm in your semen.”

Can a Level 1 clinic do it?

The ART (Regulation) Rules, 2022 describe a Level 1 clinic as one where “preliminary investigations are carried out including diagnosis of type, cause of infertility”. The registry level is shown against each clinic below.

Sources

• NHS, Infertility: diagnosis, read 25 September 2026.
• HFEA, Surgical sperm extraction, read 25 September 2026.
• HFEA, In vitro fertilisation (IVF), read 25 September 2026.
• HFEA, Infertility surgery for men, read 25 September 2026.
• HFEA, Intracytoplasmic morphologic sperm injection (IMSI), read 25 September 2026.
• The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Rules, 2022, G.S.R. 419(E), 7 June 2022, para 10.1 (not changed by the Amendment Rules, 2026, G.S.R. 491(E)), read 25 September 2026.
• Clinic data: each clinic's own website, as read by this directory; registry level from the National ART & Surrogacy Registry extract.