Home Biomarkers Primary Smear of Semen

Primary Smear of Semen

Fertility profile Biomarker

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Collection Type: Semen

Body System

Related System: Fertility profile

Overview

The primary smear of semen is a rapid microscopic screening test prepared from an ejaculate to assess the immediate presence, concentration estimate and gross quality of spermatozoa, basic motility and contamination (white cells, debris). It is a frontline part of semen analysis used in fertility evaluation to detect male-factor infertility (e.g., azoospermia, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia) and signs of infection or inflammation. Indications include difficulty conceiving, abnormal ejaculation, or investigation after abnormal routine semen parameters. Results vary by age (sperm count and motility tend to decline with age), recent illness or fever, abstinence interval, medications and lifestyle; it is a male-only test reading semen characteristics rather than female parameters.

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Test Preparation

No special preparation is required

Why Do I Need This Test

Profile: Fertility profile / semen analysis screening - When to test: infertility evaluation (failure to conceive after 12 months), suspected ejaculatory/sexual dysfunction, history of orchitis/fever, or post-vasectomy checks - Diagnoses/monitoring: male factor infertility, sperm recovery after treatment, infections/inflammation - Reasons for abnormal results: varicocele, endocrine disorders, obstruction, genetic causes, recent fever/illness, drugs/toxins - Biological meaning: low/absent sperm indicates reduced/absent fertility potential; poor motility or abnormal forms reduce fertilizing ability - Lifestyle/family history: smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs, obesity, heat exposure, certain medications; family history of infertility, undescended testes or genetic disorders increases need for testing

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Understanding Test Results

Absent sperm on the primary smear (azoospermia) indicates either obstructive causes (blockage) or non‑obstructive testicular failure and requires repeat testing and further workup.
Sperm concentration <15 million/mL is oligozoospermia: mild (10–15×10^6/mL), moderate (5–10×10^6/mL), severe (<5×10^6/mL) lower counts reduce natural fertility and guide assisted-reproduction choices.
Progressive motility <32% (or total motility <40%) defines asthenozoospermia and reduces chance of conception without assistance.
Normal morphology <4% (strict) is teratozoospermia and is associated with decreased fertilization potential.
Semen volume <1.5 mL suggests ejaculatory dysfunction, partial obstruction or accessory gland dysfunction; pH >8 or elevated leukocytes (>1×10^6/mL) suggest infection/inflammation.
Many abnormalities are partially reversible (stop smoking, avoid heat, treat infections, adjust medications); persistent or severe abnormalities warrant urology/andrology referral and further endocrine/genetic testing.

Normal Range

Semen volume: ≥1.5 mL Sperm concentration: ≥15 million/mL (≥15 10^6/mL) Total sperm count per ejaculate: ≥39 million (≥39 10^6/ejaculate) Progressive motility (PR): ≥32% Total motility (PR NP): ≥40% Normal morphology (strict criteria): ≥4% normal forms Vitality (live sperm): ≥58% live pH: ≥7.2 Peroxidase-positive leukocytes: <1 10^6/mL

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between primary and secondary sperm abnormalities?

A: Primary sperm abnormalities arise during spermatogenesis in the testes and reflect intrinsic formation defects: abnormal head, midpiece or tail structure, chromatin problems or retained cytoplasm. Secondary abnormalities occur after production during epididymal transit or after ejaculation and reflect external damage or storage/handling issues for example tail breakage or coiling, agglutination or motility loss from infection, heat or toxins.

Q: How to smear sperm?

A: To prepare a semen smear for microscopy: collect a fresh sample in a clean container, allow liquefaction for 15 to 30 minutes, place a small drop on a glass slide, use a second slide at ~45° to spread into a thin film, air-dry, then fix and stain as required. Wear gloves, follow biosafety procedures, and use a clinical lab for accurate analysis.

Q: What is the function of the sperm smear?

A: A sperm smear is a microscopic preparation of semen spread and stained on a slide to evaluate sperm concentration, morphology, motility and vitality. It identifies abnormal sperm shapes, immature cells, infections or excess white blood cells and debris. Results help diagnose male fertility issues, guide further testing or treatment, and assess semen quality for assisted reproduction.

Q: What is the primary source of spermatozoa?

A: The primary source of spermatozoa is the testes—specifically the seminiferous tubules. Sperm are produced by spermatogenesis, supported by Sertoli cells and regulated by hormones (testosterone from Leydig cells plus pituitary gonadotropins). Mature sperm are stored and gain motility in the epididymis before being carried through the vas deferens during ejaculation.

Q: What are the primary defects of sperm?

A: Primary sperm defects include low count (oligo- or azoospermia), poor motility (asthenozoospermia), abnormal shape (teratozoospermia), and reduced viability (necrospermia). Other issues are DNA fragmentation and genetic abnormalities, acrosome or membrane defects, and structural tail or midpiece problems. Autoimmune factors like antisperm antibodies can also impair function and reduce fertility, often requiring specialist assessment.

Q: Can infertility be primary or secondary?

A: Yes. Infertility can be primary when a person or couple has never achieved a pregnancy after 12 months (or 6 months if over 35) of regular, unprotected intercourse or secondary when they’ve had a prior pregnancy but cannot conceive again. Causes include ovulatory, tubal or uterine problems, sperm issues, age and lifestyle; evaluation and treatments are available.