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This article was medically reviewed by Robert Dhir, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Dr. Robert Dhir is a board certified Urologist, Urological Surgeon, and the Founder of HTX Urology in Houston, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, Dr. Dhir’s expertise includes minimally-invasive treatments for enlarged prostate (UroLift), kidney stone disease, surgical management of urological cancers, and men’s health (erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, and infertility). His practice has been named a Center of Excellence for the UroLift procedure, and is a pioneer in non-surgical procedures for ED using his patented Wave Therapy. He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Georgetown University and was awarded honors in pre-medical studies, urology, orthopedics, and ophthalmology. Dr. Dhir served as chief resident during his urological surgical residency at University of Texas at Houston / MD Anderson Cancer Center in addition to completing his internship in general surgery. Dr. Dhir was voted Top Doctor in Urology for 2018 to 2019, one of the top three Best Rated Urologists in 2019 & 2020 for Houston Texas, and Texas Monthly has named him to the 2019 & 2020 Texas Super Doctors Rising Stars list.
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Many couples struggle to conceive a child. Since many issues can cause difficulty in conceiving, both partners should be evaluated for fertility issues. If you're having trouble conceiving, you may want to test your sperm count. You can use at-home tests to measure the number of sperm in the fluid ejaculated during an orgasm. However, you will get a more accurate evaluation if you see your doctor.
Steps
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![Step 1 Complete the test at home.]()
Complete the test at home. At-home sperm tests have been found to be accurate around 95% of the time. Masturbate into the cup the kit provides for you and complete the test as indicated in the instructions. Read the instructions carefully beforehand so you know what to do and what not to do.[1]- Generally, you will collect your sample in a cup, transfer the sample to the testing kit after a specific amount of time, and read the results. You may also have to add another solution to the sample, but this depends on the test.
- Some mail-in tests have you supply a sperm sample at home and send it in for professional analysis.[2] Others connect to a mobile app and use video for analysis.[3]
- Tests like these are available at many drug stores and pharmacies.
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![Step 2 Evaluate the results.]()
Evaluate the results. Results are typically available in about 10 minutes, though this varies by test. A normal sperm concentration is considered to be above 15 million per milliliter.[4] If your results are lower than that, consult your doctor for a complete infertility workup.[5]- Some tests simply tell you whether your count is normal or low. Others may be more exact. This varies by test, so read the instructions carefully.
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![Step 3 Consult a specialist to check your sperm.]()
Consult a specialist to check your sperm. At-home tests do not measure other factors that affect fertility. If you are having trouble conceiving, consider seeing a fertility specialist even if your at-home test shows normal results. At-home tests do not check:[6]- How much semen you ejaculate at one time (semen volume)
- The percent of your sperm that are alive (vitality)
- How well your sperm move (motility)
- The shape of your sperm (morphology)
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![Step 1 Visit your doctor for a history and physical exam.]()
Visit your doctor for a history and physical exam. Tell your doctor you are worried about your fertility and get an examination. They will ask you about your medical and family history and perform a physical exam. They will examine your genitals and may ask you about your sexual history and sexual development.[7] -
![Step 2 Schedule a semen analysis test.]()
Schedule a semen analysis test. Semen analysis looks at a sample of your semen under a microscope. A lab technician, doctor, or computer counts how many sperm appear in the squares of a grid pattern. This is the most common sperm count test, so ask your doctor to schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist for you.[8] -
![Step 3 Repeat the test.]()
Repeat the test. Semen analysis tests are usually repeated at least twice over a period of time. This is because sperm count varies somewhat and your doctor will need an accurate representation of your sperm count over time.[9]- A second sample is usually collected one to two weeks after the first.
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![Step 1 Masturbate into a container your doctor gives you.]()
Masturbate into a container your doctor gives you. When it comes time to do your sperm test, your doctor will give you a special cup or container. Masturbate and catch your ejaculate in the container. Make sure to put the lid on to avoid spills.[10]- If possible, do this in the clinic. If you need to, you may be able to take the container home with you. Ask your doctor to give you specific instructions about storing the container and when to bring it back to the office.
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![Step 2 Use a special condom made to catch semen for testing.]()
Use a special condom made to catch semen for testing. Some clinics may be able to provide you with a special, non-lubricated condom to wear during intercourse. This condom collects your semen for examination. Some men find it easier to ejaculate this way and it may help you if you feel nervous at the doctor’s office. These may not always be available, however—ask your doctor about your options.[11] -
3Avoid common pitfalls. Collecting a sperm sample can go wrong in a number of ways. Ask your doctor for specific details about how to collect an accurate sample. Follow these guidelines to the best of your ability:[12]
- Shower and wash your hands before taking your sample.
- Do not use lubricant, which can interfere with how your sperm move. Additionally, some lubricants contain spermicide that can ruin your sample.
- Do not ejaculate for at least two days before you collect your sample. On the other hand, abstain for no more than 10 days before you collect your sample.
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs for 5 days prior to taking your sample.
- Make sure all of your ejaculate goes into the container. If you miss, wait a day and try again.
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
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If you alter your lifestyle to improve your sperm count, you’ll see results in about three months. It takes about 74 days for sperm to mature.[13]Thanks
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There are other tests you can do if a sperm count does not show why you have low fertility. Ask your doctor about hormone testing, urinalysis, biopsy, antibody tests, or ultrasounds.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/semen-analysis/
- ↑ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/urology-mens-health-blog/2023/at-home-sperm-testing/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/at-home-sperm-tests-can-be-useful-but-they-dont-replace-a-fertility-doctor/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22477-oligospermia-low-sperm-count
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/semen-analysis/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/semen-analysis/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22477-oligospermia-low-sperm-count
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sperm-count/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374591
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/semen-analysis/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21520-semen-analysis
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21520-semen-analysis
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/semen-analysis
- ↑ https://corporate.dukehealth.org/news/smoking-abstinence-could-lower-effects-cannabis-sperm
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
To check your sperm count, you can use an at-home testing kit, which are available at most drugstores and pharmacies. However, know that at-home tests don’t measure all fertility factors like the percent of your sperm that are alive and how well they move. For more thorough results, you can get medically tested to check your sperm count. Just visit a doctor and explain you're worried about your fertility and you would like to have your sperm tested. Your doctor will provide you with specific details on how to collect an accurate sample, like avoiding smoking, drinking, and drugs for 10 days prior to the test. To learn common pitfalls that you should avoid when collecting a sperm sample, read below!
