A Semen analysis is an important test that tells us if you have the high quality of sperm that’s needed for sperm donation.
If you’re considering sperm donation, it’s normal to feel anxious about the test and the implications of your results for your own fertility. But it’s important to know that if your results show your semen isn’t suitable for donation, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re infertile.
Sperm for donation has to be able to survive all the processes in the laboratory and still be capable of fertilisation in a patient’s treatment, therefore requiring a higher standard for acceptance onto the donation programme.
What are normal semen parameters?
According to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines 2021, these are the lower reference values for a ‘normal’ result:
- Semen ejaculate (amount of fluid ejaculated) - 1.4ml and above
- Sperm concentration (number of sperm in 1ml of fluid) – at least 16 million per ml
- Total motility (how many of your sperm are moving) – at least 42%
- Progressive motility (how many of your sperm are moving with good forward progression)– 30%
- Morphology (the shape of your sperm) – at least 4% should be considered normal
What if my assessment shows abnormal results?
If the results of your analysis come back with anything outside of ‘normal’, it doesn’t mean you can’t have your own baby. Many with subnormal parameters are still able to conceive; it may just take a little longer, or some assistance may be required.
We’ll explain your results to you, so you clearly understand what they mean for you. If your results are outside the normal range, we will recommend speaking with your GP to arrange a fertility assessment or contacting a licensed fertility clinic such as Manchester Fertility for a diagnostic semen analysis report, which will form part of a fertility check.
What if my semen analysis result means I can’t be a sperm donor?
It can be disappointing to be told your sperm isn’t of the right quality for donation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re not fertile. If your analysis results are out of the normal range, we will support you in any way we can.
If often surprises potential donors to know that, of those that attend a semen assessment only around 50% have the higher sperm quality that’s needed to survive the laboratory processes and still fertilise an egg in fertility treatments. It's why we always need more people to apply to be a sperm donor.
How do I apply to be a Semovo sperm donor?
If you’re aged 18-45, you could apply to be a sperm donor. Complete our simple application form online or have a chat with our team on 0345 266 0020.
Semovo sperm donation clinics are open at times to suit you – many choose to donate sperm during their lunch break or on their way to or from work – and are conveniently located in Manchester (South), Manchester (City Center), Wigan, Liverpool, Leeds, and Glasgow.