Semen analysis: WHO normal values, how to take it, result interpretation

Q: Normal forms 3% — infertility?

No. The Kruger threshold is strict: 4% normal forms is already normal. Morphology lowers the chance of natural conception but is evaluated together with concentration and motility, not alone.

Q: How to prepare for an accurate result?

Abstinence 2–7 days, no alcohol or saunas for a week, complete collection into a sterile container, delivery warm within an hour. Breaking any step distorts the result.

Q: A poor semen analysis — what next?

Repeat in 2–4 weeks, then look for the cause with an andrologist: scrotal ultrasound (varicocele), hormones (testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin), infections. Many causes are correctable.

In shortA semen analysis evaluates volume, concentration, motility and sperm morphology. WHO 2021 lower limits: concentration ≥ 16 million/mL, progressive motility ≥ 30%, normal morphology ≥ 4%. One “bad” result is not a verdict: it is confirmed by a repeat.

What this marker is

A semen analysis measures ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, motility (the share of progressively motile cells) and morphology (normal forms by strict Kruger criteria).

WHO limits are the 5th percentile of fertile men, not an “ideal”: values below the limit reduce the chance of conception but do not exclude it. Accuracy hinges on two factors — 2–7 days of abstinence and a complete collection.

Reference ranges

Group	Reference range
Volume	≥ 1.4 mL
Concentration	≥ 16 million/mL
Total count per ejaculate	≥ 39 million
Progressive motility	≥ 30%
Vitality	≥ 54%
Normal forms (Kruger)	≥ 4%
Leukocytes	< 1 million/mL

Semen analysis, WHO 6th ed. 2021 — lower reference limits (5th percentile of fertile men). One “bad” result is not a verdict: it is confirmed by a repeat. Ranges differ between laboratories.

Check your value

Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.

An approximate comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Ranges differ between laboratories — use the one on your report; a doctor interprets the result.

When it is high or appears: possible causes

Fever or a cold within 3 monthsSpermatogenesis takes about 74 days — a recent illness temporarily worsens the numbers.

VaricoceleScrotal vein enlargement — the most common correctable cause of decline.

OverheatingSaunas, hot baths, laptop on the lap, tight thermal underwear.

Hormonal causesLow testosterone, elevated prolactin, anabolic steroids.

Incomplete collection or short abstinenceTechnical causes of a poor result — the most common ones.

What can skew the result

These factors can shift the result without any disease — keep them in mind before a retest:

Abstinence longer than 7 or shorter than 2 daysRecent feverAlcohol and saunas before the testLost part of the sample

How to prepare

Abstinence 2–7 days. The sample is collected completely by masturbation into a sterile container (best at the lab), delivered warm within an hour. Condoms and interrupted intercourse are unsuitable.

When a retest makes sense

Any deviation is confirmed by a repeat in 2–4 weeks: semen parameters swing between tests. Spermatogenesis takes 74 days, so control after treatment or lifestyle change — in 3 months.

Who usually reviews this result

An out-of-range result is usually reviewed by: Urologist-andrologist, reproductive specialist. Bring your report and any previous results to the visit.

Names used on lab reports

Look for one of these names on your report:
Semen analysisSemen analysisEjaculateMAR test

Several markers on your report?

The app reads your whole report — this marker together with its neighbors, not one by one.

Get your results explained See an example

Frequently asked questions

Normal forms 3% — infertility?