INSIDE EMBRYO · Andrology
Understand sperm.
Look beyond one number.
Explore semen assessment, sperm preparation and the language of male reproductive health. Learn what laboratory findings describe—and why their meaning depends on the clinical context.
LOOK. READ. UNDERSTAND.
What does the laboratory assess?
Explore ten illustrated topics covering semen analysis, sperm selection, retrieval and DNA fragmentation. These explain principles, not instructions for carrying out procedures.
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Semen Analysis
Semen analysis evaluates several characteristics of an ejaculate rather than sperm concentration alone. Commonly assessed parameters include volume, liquefaction, pH, concentration, motility, morphology and vitality.
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Sperm Motility Categories
Sperm motility describes the movement of spermatozoa during microscopic examination. Sperm may demonstrate progressive motility, non-progressive motility or no movement.
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Sperm Morphology & Abnormalities
Morphology assessment examines the structural appearance of spermatozoa. Abnormalities may involve the head, connecting region and midpiece, or flagellum and may occur individually or in combination.
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Macroscopic & Microscopic Examination
Semen examination combines macroscopic observations with microscopic assessment. Macroscopic examination includes characteristics such as volume, appearance, viscosity, liquefaction and pH, while microscopy evaluates sperm concentration, motility, morphology and other cellular findings.
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Swim-Up Sperm Preparation
The swim-up method uses the ability of motile spermatozoa to migrate from the semen fraction into an overlying culture medium. The upper fraction can then contain a population enriched with motile sperm.
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Density Gradient Centrifugation
Density gradient preparation separates components of a semen sample according to their behaviour through media of different densities during centrifugation. A sperm-rich fraction can subsequently be recovered from the lower portion of the tube.
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Microfluidic Sperm Preparation
Microfluidic systems use small channels and device-specific selection mechanisms to recover a population of sperm, often using their ability to move. Devices and sample preparation requirements differ.
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Surgical Sperm Extraction Techniques
Surgical sperm retrieval may obtain spermatozoa from the epididymis or testis. Common terms include PESA, MESA, TESA, TESE and micro-TESE, which differ in their anatomical source and method of retrieval.
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Common Semen Analysis Terms
Terms such as oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia and azoospermia describe patterns identified during semen examination. Combined abnormalities may also occur, such as oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.
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Sperm DNA Fragmentation
Sperm DNA fragmentation refers to breaks or damage affecting DNA within the sperm nucleus. It is different from conventional assessment of concentration, motility and morphology and is evaluated using specialised assays.
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A LITTLE CLARITY GOES A LONG WAY
You may have heard…
Let’s look at the facts.
Five common misunderstandings about andrology. Explore the facts beside each one.
01 / Andrology
A normal sperm count proves fertility.
Concentration is only one part of semen analysis. No single routine parameter can provide a complete fertility prediction.
02 / Andrology
A single abnormal result is a permanent diagnosis.
Semen results can vary. Your clinician may recommend repeat testing and assessment of possible contributing factors.
03 / Andrology
An immotile sperm is always a dead sperm.
Motility describes movement; vitality assesses whether sperm are alive. They are different measurements.
04 / Andrology
DNA fragmentation testing replaces semen analysis.
It is a separate investigation used in selected circumstances, rather than a replacement for the initial clinical assessment and semen analysis.
05 / Andrology
ICSI repairs every sperm problem.
ICSI introduces a sperm into an oocyte. It does not repair sperm DNA or guarantee fertilisation, embryo development or a pregnancy.
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IVF & Fertility Basics
Revisit sperm structure, spermatogenesis and reproductive anatomy.
Explore IVF & Fertility Basics →IVF Laboratory
Connect sperm preparation with the fertilisation workflow.
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Prepare questions about results and the next clinical step.
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From reading
to a clearer conversation.
How do the different semen parameters fit together?
Is a repeat test or specialist assessment appropriate?
Would an additional test change the treatment plan?
A report starts a conversation.
Semen results need interpretation alongside medical history and the wider fertility assessment. Bring the report and your questions to your treating clinician.
Sources and notes about this page
- AUA/ASRM · Male infertility guideline (2024 amendment)
- WHO · Laboratory manual for human semen, sixth edition
- HFEA · ICSI explained
Illustrations explain concepts and are not diagnostic images, grading tools or laboratory protocols. Some diagrams simplify structures or timing. Your care team interprets findings from your own treatment.
By Manoj Kumar K, Embryologist · Medical disclaimer · Back to top ↑