A semen analysis is part of the testing of the male partner during a medical evaluation of a pair to test for infertility. This technique can also be used to verify that a vasectomy was successful.

• Sperm motility: Movement capability of sperm.
• Sperm count overall: Number of motile vs. non-motile sperm.
• Concentration of sperm: Number of sperm per millilitre of semen.
• Sperm vitality: Number of living sperm.
• Sperm-related antibodies: Proteins that fight sperm.
• Semen quantity: Total amount of semen ejaculated.
• Semen pH: Determines acidity or alkalinity (should be slightly alkaline).
• White blood cells: Presence may indicate infection.
• Proportion of normal sperm: Percentage of sperm with optimal shapes.

• Within 60 minutes after the examination, a fresh semen sample must be ejaculated for semen testing.
• Masturbation is the best way to create semen, which should then be collected in a specimen jar.
• The testing facility has a private room where a man can perform this.
• If the sample collection is done at home, it must be kept warm and sent as soon as possible to a laboratory (within 60 minutes).
• The patient is responsible for making sure that none of the semen samples are misplaced.
• Because the sperm is contained in the first portion of the ejaculate, if that portion is lost, the concentration of sperm as a whole is mistakenly reduced.
• The male does not ejaculate for at least 2 days before the sample is collected.

• 1.5 ml in volume
• 15 million/ml in concentration
• 32% have progressive motility
• 4% for common kinds

Semen analysis cannot guarantee fertility because there are other possible reasons for infertility. Despite a very low sperm concentration, the couple may still be able to conceive naturally.

The frequency and timing of the couple's sexual activity, the length of time spent trying to conceive, as well as the female partner's age and fertility, can all affect whether or not the couple becomes pregnant.