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Semen Type

Fertility profile Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Semen

Body System

Related System: Fertility profile

Overview

"Semen Type" in a fertility profile refers to the categorical classification of an ejaculate based on standard semen analysis parameters (volume, sperm concentration, total count, motility, morphology and presence of white cells). The test measures sperm number, movement and shape along with semen volume and signs of infection or obstruction. Abnormal classifications (e.g., normozoospermia, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, azoospermia) raise suspicion for male-factor infertility, infection/inflammation, ejaculatory dysfunction, testicular or hormonal disorders. Testing is prompted by difficulty conceiving, changes in ejaculation, or known risk factors; results vary with age, abstinence interval, recent fever, medications, smoking and occupational exposures.

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Test Preparation

No special preparation is required, abstain from ejaculation 2–5 days prior

Why Do I Need This Test

Profile: Fertility profile / Semen analysis.
Symptoms: Difficulty conceiving, low ejaculate volume, painful ejaculation, known genital infection or prior vasectomy/hernia/varicocele.
Diagnoses/monitoring: Male infertility, post-vasectomy sterility, response to treatment (varicocele repair, infection therapy), monitoring ART preparation.
Reasons for abnormal: testicular damage, obstruction, hormonal imbalance, infection, genetic causes.
Biological meaning: low counts/motility reduce chance of natural conception; absent sperm (azoospermia) implies obstruction or production failure.
Lifestyle: smoking, alcohol, heat exposure, tight clothing, certain drugs, obesity.
Family history: known genetic infertility, Y-chromosome microdeletions, cystic fibrosis carrier status.

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Understanding Test Results

Volume <1.5 mL suggests incomplete collection, retrograde ejaculation or obstruction; >6.0 mL is uncommon and may reflect prolonged abstinence or infection.
Concentration <15 million/mL oligozoospermia (reduced fertility); <5 million/mL severe oligozoospermia; 0 azoospermia (requires evaluation for obstruction vs production failure).
Progressive motility <32% or total motility <40% asthenozoospermia (reduced fertilizing potential).
Normal forms <4% teratozoospermia (morphology-related fertility issues).
Leukocytes >1 million/mL indicate possible infection/inflammation needing treatment.
Values outside these thresholds increase infertility risk and warrant further endocrine, genetic or urological evaluation.

Normal Range

Volume 1.5–6.0 mL; Sperm concentration ≥15 million/mL (≥15 ×10^6/mL); Total sperm count ≥39 million/ejaculate; Progressive motility (PR) ≥32%; Total motility (PR+NP) ≥40%; Normal forms (strict morphology) ≥4%; Leukocytes <1 million/mL

FAQs

Q: What are the types of sperm?

A: There are several ways to classify sperm. By motility: progressive (forward‑moving), non‑progressive (limited movement) and immotile. By morphology: normal and abnormal (head, midpiece or tail defects). By viability/function: live versus dead, and subsets with DNA fragmentation or chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy). Also X‑ and Y‑bearing sperm determine offspring sex.

Q: Should sperm be thick or watery?

A: Normal semen is typically thick or gelatinous at ejaculation and should liquefy into a more watery consistency within 15–30 minutes. Persistently watery semen can be associated with low sperm count or poor coagulation; persistently very thick semen or high viscosity can impair sperm movement and suggest infection or inflammation. See a healthcare professional if changes persist, there is pain, or fertility is a concern.

Q: What does unhealthy sperm look like?

A: Unhealthy sperm typically shows low numbers, poor or absent motility and abnormal morphology—misshapen heads, double or tapered heads, coiled or broken tails. Semen may be cloudy, unusually thick, foul-smelling, yellowish (infection) or tinged with blood. Under microscopy you may see many dead or clumped sperm and pus cells, indicating infection or inflammation. Clinical testing confirms diagnosis.

Q: Which sperm is good, thick or light?

A: Neither simply \

Q: What is type C sperm?

A: Type C sperm are non‑progressive motile sperm that show tail movement but do not move forward. In semen analysis they’re listed separately from progressively motile (A and B) and immotile (D) sperm. Because they cannot advance toward the egg, a high proportion of type C sperm is linked to reduced fertility. Common causes include infection, heat exposure, smoking, varicocele, or certain medications.

Q: Which type of sperm is strong?

A: Strong sperm have normal morphology (oval head, intact midpiece and tail), high progressive motility (rapid forward movement), adequate concentration, and intact DNA. Progressive motility is the key predictor of fertilizing ability. Overall strength combines good shape, a high percentage of progressively motile sperm, and genomic integrity; lifestyle, age, infections, and medical conditions can reduce sperm strength.