Check Your Sperm Count
If you and your partner are struggling to get pregnant, you may want to check your sperm count. You can use at-home tests for this, though you will get a more complete evaluation if you see your doctor. Fertility specialists can easily check your sperm count and possibly help you and your partner to get pregnant. Do the test carefully and correctly to get accurate results.
Contents
Steps
Performing an At-Home Test
- Complete the test at home. At-home sperm tests have been found to be accurate around 95% of the time. Masturbate into the cup the kit provides for you and complete the test exactly as indicated in the instructions. Read the instructions carefully beforehand so you know what to do and what not to do.
- Generally, you will collect your sample in a cup, transfer the sample to the testing kit after a specific amount of time, and read the results.You may also have to add another solution to the sample, but this depends on the test.
- Tests like these are available at many drug stores and pharmacies.
- Evaluate the results. Results should be available in about 10 minutes, though this varies by test. A normal sperm concentration is considered to be above 20 million per milliliter. If your results are lower than that, consult your doctor for a complete infertility workup.
- Some tests simply tell you whether your count is normal or low. Others may be more exact. This varies by test, so read the instructions carefully.
- Consult a specialist to check your sperm. At-home tests do not measure other factors that affect fertility. If you are having trouble conceiving, consider seeing a fertility specialist even if your at-home test shows normal results. At-home tests do not check:
- How much semen you ejaculate at one time (semen volume)
- The percent of your sperm that are alive (vitality)
- How well your sperm move (motility)
- The shape of your sperm (morphology)
Getting Medically Tested
- Visit your doctor for a history and physical exam. Tell your doctor you are worried about your fertility, and get an examination. They will ask you about your medical and family history, and perform a physical exam. They will examine your genitals, and may ask you about your sexual history and sexual development.
- Schedule a semen analysis test. Semen analysis looks at a sample of your semen under a microscope. A lab technician, doctor, or computer count how many sperm appear in the squares of a grid pattern. This is the most common sperm count test, so ask your doctor to schedule you an appointment with a fertility specialist.
- Repeat the test. Semen analysis tests are usually repeated at least twice over a period of time. This is because sperm count varies somewhat, and your doctor will need an accurate representation of your sperm count over time.
- A second sample is usually collected one to two weeks after the first.
Collecting the Sample
- Masturbate into a container your doctor gives you. When it comes time to do your sperm test, your doctor will give you a special cup or container. Masturbate and catch your ejaculate in the container. Make sure to put the lid on to avoid spills.
- If possible, do this in the clinic. If you need to, you may be able to take the container home with you. Ask your doctor to give you specific instructions about storing the container, and when to bring it back to the office.
- Use a special condom made to catch semen for testing. Some clinics may be able to provide you a special condom to wear during intercourse. This condom collects your semen for examination. Some men find it easier to ejaculate this way, and it may help you if you feel nervous at the doctor’s office. These may not always be available, however – ask your doctor about your options.
- Avoid common pitfalls. Collecting a sperm sample can go wrong in a number of ways. Ask your doctor for specific details about how to collect an accurate sample. Follow these guidelines to the best of your ability:
- Do not use lubricant, which can interfere with how your sperm move
- Do not masturbate for at least a day before you collect your sample; on the other hand, abstain no more than 11 days before you collect your sample.
- Make sure all of your ejaculate goes into the container. If you miss, wait a day and try again.
Tips
- If you alter your lifestyle to improve your sperm count, you’ll see results in about three months. It takes 10-11 weeks for your body to make sperm.
- There are other tests you can do if a sperm count does not show why you have low fertility. Ask your doctor about hormone testing, urinalysis, biopsy, antibody tests, or ultrasounds.
