Learn the ins and outs of semen analysis and sperm tests at Collab

If you or someone close to you is facing difficulties getting pregnant, you're not alone. Many people are having trouble conceiving, and a significant factor is the alarming decline in sperm counts—down by 50% over the last fifty years. In fact, male infertility accounts for at least 30% of all couples’ fertility challenges.

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Treatment for men with sperm abnormalities

For those struggling with fertility, we provide same-day fertility testing for both men and women in our state-of-the-art East Bay fertility clinic.  For men, we test various sperm parameters, including sperm count, motility, morphology, and volume. We can do further testing to understand the cause of an abnormal semen analysis and address issues with medical treatment. We collaborate with a male infertility specialist, Dr. Shu Pan, who can address the majority of abnormal semen analyses with the proper guidance, support, and medical treatment. In our clinic, we can perform multiple surgical semen extraction and aspiration methods.


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As part of our patient-first approach, you will receive a personalized treatment plan based on your age, fertility status, and family goals. We can refer you to psychologists for emotional support. We are also passionate about helping men improve their fertility naturally and can teach you how to do so.

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Make an appointment today! You'll receive personalized testing and treatment from our compassionate and knowledgeable care team.

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How to make your sperm healthier

Before delving into the ins and outs of male infertility testing, here are a few simple things you can do to boost your sperm health naturally:

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• Talk to your doctor about which supplements and vitamins to take (Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Folate, Zinc, Selenium, Lycopene, L-Carnitine, and Coenzyme Q10 have been found to be helpful). We recommend ConceptionXR® Motility Support
• Eat a Mediterranean diet with antioxidant-rich foods
• Avoid processed foods and foods high in trans fat
• Moderate alcohol use and stop drinking when you are trying to conceive
• Moderate caffeine intake
• Stop smoking, vaping and marijuana use
• Exercise regularly
• No hot tubs, jacuzzis, or saunas

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What is a semen analysis?

A semen analysis – performed by our expert andrologists in our state-of-the-art lab  – determines whether a man can produce enough healthy sperm to fertilize a woman’s egg.

Our patients are sometimes surprised to learn that the male partner can be the sole or contributing source of infertility. Our fertility specialist will help you understand any issues uncovered from a semen analysis and the steps to take in treating male infertility.

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I had one abnormal semen analysis; what’s next?

If your first semen analysis comes back abnormal, it could be due invariably. It takes three months to see any lifestyle changes to be reflected in the semen analysis.

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When we recommend a semen analysis

After discussing health and reproductive history with both partners, each person undergoes comprehensive fertility testing in our Walnut Creek fertility clinic, which includes a semen analysis for men. The results will show us if there are abnormalities in sperm count, motility, morphology, or the presence of an infection. The analysis can also help determine the appropriate infertility treatments.

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We know facing infertility can be an anxious time, so we expedite fertility testing. At a couple’s or a male patient’s first visit, we provide same-day fertility testing, including a semen analysis to evaluate sperm health.

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What’s the most important factor in a semen analysis

Deficiencies in sperm or semen can be a root cause of infertility. A key factor in semen analysis is determining the Total Motile Count (TMC), which is calculated by multiplying three factors:

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• Volume: The amount of semen in an ejaculate, which is usually at least 2 milliliters
• Concentration: The number of sperm per milliliter
• Motility: The percentage of sperm that are moving

[Volume (ml) x motility (%) x concentration (millions/ml) = TMC]

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To conceive naturally, you need a TMC over 20 million; if it is between 10 to 20 million, we typically recommend Intrauterine insemination; and if TMC is under 10m, we recommend in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

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Sperm test: How do you provide a sperm sample?

The most common way to collect sperm is via masturbation. We have two options to collect sperm samples. If you live within an hour’s drive to our clinic, you can collect the sperm at home and deliver it to us right away. We also have two comfortable, private collection rooms in our state-of-the-art clinic.  

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Can a man still be fertile after a vasectomy?

Studies show that surgical extraction of sperm is more effective than a vasectomy reversal, especially if the vasectomy was ten or more years ago. We perform all possible sperm retrieval techniques, including microTESE (micro testicular sperm extraction), TESE, MESA (Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration), TESA (Testicular sperm aspiration), and PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration). We follow sperm extraction with sperm freezing or can move forward with IVF with ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) with your partner in our state-of-the-art lab.

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Let’s evaluate the following factors in a semen analysis

• Volume of semen: Volume is measured by the amount of semen found in one ejaculate sample. A low semen volume may indicate that the seminal vesicles (glands) are not making enough fluid or are blocked.
• Sperm count: Sperm count refers to the number of sperm present in a milliliter of semen, commonly over 15 million in a milliliter. Men with a low sperm count – under 15 million sperm in a milliliter of semen (called oligozoospermia) – have a decreased chance of fertilizing their partner’s egg. If azoospermia is detected, fertilization is impossible naturally.
• Time to liquefaction: Liquefaction time is the amount of time it takes for semen, which is thick and gel-like after ejaculation, to become liquid. This process typically takes around 20 minutes. If it takes longer to liquefy, that can hamper fertility.
• pH: pH refers to the acidity (low pH) or alkalinity (high pH) of the semen, which can affect fertility. A low pH in a semen analysis can indicate seminal vesicle blockage, ejaculatory duct obstruction, or retrograde ejaculation.
• White blood cell count: Excessive white blood cells in the semen may indicate an infection or inflammation, and the excess cells can also damage sperm.
• Fructose presence: Fructose presence measures the amount of sugar in the semen sample, which provides energy for the sperm. If the sample has no fructose this may indicate an absence of the seminal vesicles, absence of the vas deferens in the area of the seminal vesicles, or ejaculatory duct dysfunction.
• Sperm motility: Sperm motility of more than 40% is considered normal in order for normal fertilization of an egg most of the sperm needs to be moving in a forward motion.
• Sperm morphology (shape): Sperm morphology refers to the size, shape, and cellular properties of sperm. Abnormal shapes, like bent tails or misshapen heads, can affect the sperm's ability to swim to reach and/or fertilize an egg. Normal morphology is also important for DNA integrity, as damaged DNA can lead to infertility and a higher risk of miscarriage. A normal analysis requires at least 4% of sperm to be of normal shape and size based on strict criteria.

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Do you have a dry orgasm?

A dry orgasm, also known as retrograde ejaculation, is when a person reaches orgasm without ejaculating semen.  If you have noticed this, reach out to us for testing. Testing for retrograde ejaculation is safe and non-invasive. It involves a routine semen analysis, followed by an analysis of your urine after ejaculation. For the test to be accurate, you should abstain from ejaculation (masturbation or sex) for a minimum of 2 days and a maximum of 5 days before the collection of the post-ejaculatory urine.

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CLIA certified lab

At our clinic, we're proud to be CLIA certified, which means we meet the highest standards for quality and safety in all our lab tests. CLIA, the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, is a set of federal guidelines ensuring that your test results are accurate and reliable.

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You can trust that your semen analysis results are precise: Our CLIA certification means our lab follows strict rules for quality control and staff qualifications. In addition, Collab Lab Director Xinli Yang, PhD, HCLD, is certified by the American Board of Bioanalysis as a High-complexity Clinical Lab Director.

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Is semen analysis testing right for you?

Among couples trying to conceive, 30% have male factor infertility as the sole cause. Semen analysis is an easy, noninvasive test that can give you valuable and actionable information. You will have results within 1-2 business days; our physician will review them. We will discuss fertility treatment options tailored to your needs and circumstances. We are devoted to helping people overcome fertility challenges and welcome babies into their lives.

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