If you or your partner plan to provide sperm as part of your surrogacy journey, one of the first medical steps will be a semen analysis. This laboratory test evaluates the health and quality of a sperm sample and helps fertility specialists determine whether the specimen is suitable for creating embryos.

Although your urologist or fertility specialist will review the results with you in detail, having a basic understanding of what these numbers represent can make the conversation much clearer and less stressful.

Many people are familiar with the term “sperm count,” but in reality, sperm health is measured by several parameters. Specialists assess not only how many sperm are present in a sample, but also how concentrated they are, how well they move, their structural shape, and the overall volume of the ejaculate. Each of these factors provides important insight into reproductive health

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides widely used reference ranges that help doctors evaluate whether a semen sample falls within a healthy range.

Below is a closer look at the key measurements that fertility specialists examine.

Key Parameters Evaluated in a Semen Analysis

1. Total Number of Sperm in the Sample

One of the most commonly discussed indicators is the total sperm count, which refers to the overall number of sperm cells present in a single ejaculate. This is the figure most people think of when they hear the phrase “sperm count.”

According to WHO guidelines, a typical healthy ejaculate may contain between approximately 39 million and 928 million sperm cells. While this range may seem wide, it reflects the natural biological variation among individuals.

A higher number of sperm generally increases the chances of successful fertilization. However, fertility specialists evaluate this number together with other factors rather than relying on it alone.

2. Sperm Concentration per Milliliter

In addition to the total sperm count, specialists also analyze how densely sperm cells are present within the semen. This measurement is called sperm concentration and represents the number of sperm per milliliter of semen.

The WHO considers a healthy concentration to fall between 15 million and 259 million sperm per milliliter.

This measurement is important because a sample might contain a large total number of sperm but still have a relatively low concentration if the semen volume is high. Both measurements together provide a more accurate picture of reproductive potential.

3. Semen Volume

Another important component of the analysis is the total volume of ejaculate. Semen is composed not only of sperm cells but also of fluids produced by the prostate and seminal vesicles. These fluids help nourish and transport sperm.

A typical healthy ejaculate volume ranges between 1.5 and 7.6 milliliters, according to WHO standards.

Volume alone does not determine fertility, but it can influence other measurements such as sperm concentration and total sperm count.

4. Sperm Movement (Motility)

For fertilization to occur, sperm must be able to travel efficiently through the reproductive tract. Because of this, specialists carefully examine sperm motility, which refers to the percentage of sperm that are actively moving.

A healthy sample generally shows 40% to 81% of sperm displaying normal movement.

Motility is especially important because even a large number of sperm may not result in successful fertilization if most of them are unable to move effectively.

5. Sperm Structure (Morphology)

Finally, doctors evaluate sperm morphology, which refers to the physical shape and structure of sperm cells.

A typical healthy sperm cell has three main components:

– A head

– A midpiece (neck)

-A long tail that enables movement

Interestingly, it is very common for a semen sample to contain sperm with irregular shapes. Because of this, the threshold for normal morphology is lower than many people expect. According to WHO standards, a sample is considered within the normal range if at least 4% of sperm have a typical structure.

While this number may appear small, it is sufficient for successful fertilization in many cases.

Can Sperm Health Be Improved?

– Receiving abnormal results on a semen analysis can understandably feel concerning. However, it is important to remember that many sperm parameters can improve over time, especially with changes to lifestyle and health habits.

– In fact, medical studies suggest that the vast majority of men are ultimately able to produce a viable sperm sample when preparing for fertility treatments.

Here are several lifestyle factors that may positively influence sperm health.

Stop Smoking

Smoking has been strongly linked to several negative effects on sperm quality. Research shows that cigarette use may contribute to:

– Lower sperm counts

– Reduced semen volume

– Slower sperm movement

– Higher rates of abnormal sperm morphology

The encouraging news is that quitting smoking can gradually improve these parameters, often within a few months.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

– Occasional alcohol consumption does not appear to significantly affect sperm health. However, frequent or excessive drinking may negatively influence sperm production and function.

– Reducing alcohol intake—or temporarily avoiding it altogether while preparing for fertility treatment—may help improve overall sperm quality.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Body weight can also influence reproductive health. Studies have shown that men who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience:

– Lower sperm counts

– Reduced sperm concentration

– Poorer motility

Maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy body mass index can support improved sperm parameters.

Stay Physically Active

– Regular physical activity has been associated with improved reproductive health. Research indicates that men who exercise consistently—particularly moderate to vigorous exercise several times per week—tend to have higher sperm counts compared to sedentary individuals.

– Exercise also contributes to overall hormonal balance and metabolic health, both of which can affect fertility.

Review Medications with Your Doctor

Certain medications may influence sperm production or quality. For example:

– Testosterone therapy can suppress sperm production and may lead to infertility while in use.

– Finasteride, a medication commonly used to treat hair loss, has been associated with reduced sperm quality in some men.

If you are taking prescription medications and planning to pursue fertility treatment, it is important to discuss them with your physician.

A Final Word

A semen analysis provides valuable information about reproductive health, but it represents just one step in the fertility evaluation process. Even if some numbers fall outside the typical range, many individuals are still able to create healthy embryos with the help of modern fertility treatments.

At GS Consulting, we understand that navigating medical tests and fertility terminology can sometimes feel overwhelming. Our team is committed to helping intended parents feel informed, supported, and confident throughout every stage of their surrogacy journey.

If you have questions about sperm analysis, fertility preparation, or the surrogacy process in general, our specialists are always here to guide you with clarity and care.