What exactly is meant by sperm count? It is the concentration or number of sperm per millimeter and a normal result is more than 20 million sperm per millimeter. The average number of sperm is 60 million per millimeter – if there is less than 20 million the condition is known as male infertility or technically – oligozoospermia and a total lack of sperm is known as azoospermia.

For a sperm test to take place the most common way for sperm to be collected is for the patient to masturbate into a clean cup, and this usually takes place at the location where the testing is to be done in a private room. Alternatively, a sample can be produced into a collection condom made from silicone or polyurethane. Samples that are produced elsewhere must arrive at the testing location within two hours.If there is  a possible blockage semen can be collected directly from the epididymis. Pregnancy rate varies directly in relation to sperm count, so the higher the sperm count the more likely that pregnancy will occur.

Testing is done by Computer Assisted Semen Analysis and is usually based on image analysis.Semen testing is usually undertaken at the recommendation of a GP and takes place at a specialized laboratory using methods approved by the World Health Organization.  

In recent months A Male Fertility Sperm Test has become available that you can use to Test accurately and easily in the privacy of your home! The kits include everything you need so you can easily test your sperm in the privacy of your own home.

Semen quality can vary considerably between samples, even in fertile men. Sperm counts can be affected by many illnesses including fever or infection. It may take several months for the sperm count to recover. To properly check a semen analysis two semen samples are required. The tests should be spaced about two to four weeks apart.

If a low sperm count is discovered does that mean the end of your chances to conceive a child? Not necessarily – there are steps that you can take to improve not only your general health but in turn the health and number of sperm being produced.