How It Works

This calculator compares your semen analysis parameters against WHO 2010 reference values, which represent the 5th percentile of fertile men. The tool calculates two critical metrics that aren’t always shown on lab reports but matter a lot for fertility assessment.

Total sperm count gives you the big picture number:

Total motile sperm count shows how many sperm can actually move forward, which is what really matters for reaching an egg:

Each parameter gets compared to the WHO cutoff. If you’re below on one or more, it doesn’t mean you can’t conceive naturally, but it does mean you should talk to a fertility specialist about next steps.

Common Questions About Sperm Analysis

What if my volume is low but concentration is high?

You can have below-normal volume (under 1.5 mL) but still have a solid total count if your concentration is high enough. Some guys just produce less fluid but pack more sperm into it. The total count is what really matters here. If your total is above 39 million, you’re in normal territory even if volume looks low on paper.

Why does morphology seem so strict?

The WHO cutoff for normal morphology is just 4%, which sounds brutal but that’s actually the standard. Most sperm have some kind of defect (weird head shape, bent tail, whatever), and that’s completely normal. As long as 4% or more look good under the microscope, you’re fine. The body makes millions of sperm precisely because most won’t be perfect.

What counts as progressive motility?

Progressive motility means sperm moving forward in a relatively straight line. It doesn’t include sperm that wiggle in place or swim in circles. Labs classify this as “Grade A” or “Grade B” motility. Only forward movement counts because that’s what gets sperm through the cervix and up to the fallopian tubes.

Can I compare tests from different labs?

Yes and no. WHO standards are universal, but different labs use different techniques and technicians with varying experience levels. If you’re tracking changes over time, try to use the same lab. If you got a concerning result, it’s worth getting a second test at a different facility just to confirm. Sperm parameters can vary quite a bit from one sample to another anyway.

What if everything looks normal but we’re still not conceiving?

A normal semen analysis is great news, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Female factors account for about a third of fertility issues, male factors another third, and combined or unexplained factors make up the rest. Timing, egg quality, tubal function, and a bunch of other variables all play a role. A normal result here means male factor infertility is less likely, but it doesn’t guarantee pregnancy on its own.

Reference Table: What Normal Looks Like

These reference values come from the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen (5th edition, 2010). They represent the 5th percentile of men who achieved pregnancy within 12 months. Individual fertility depends on many factors beyond semen parameters alone.