Parameter Normal value Abnormality Causes management

Color Gray- Clear ↓ sperm count

opalescent Brown/red RBC (hematospermia)
yellow Urine contamination;
jaundice; pyridium

Liquefaction & Semen liquefy No coagulation ∙ Cong absence of seminal

viscosity in 30-60 min; vesicle
Viscosity: ∙ Def of prostatic enzyme
semen fall drop Delayed liquefaction Prostatic dysfunction
by drop

volume 2-4 ml ↓ volume ∙ faulty collection

∙ obstruction
∙ retrograde ejaculation
∙ ↓ abstinence period
∙ androgen def
∙ recent febrile illness
↑ volume * accessory gland
overproduction
* ↑ abstinence period
pH 7.2-7.8 Acidic ∙ Ejaculatory duct obst
(alkaline) ∙ Cong absence of vas
Alkaline (> 7.8) ∙ late exam; ∙ prostatitis
Count 20-250 Azoospermia or * Genetic disorders
million/ml oligospermia * Endocrine disorders
* Varicocele
* Cryptorchidism
* Infections
* Exposure to toxins,
radiation, drugs
* Genital tract obstruction
* Idiopathic
Motility 32% asthenospermia ∙ Improper sample
progressive; collection/transport
40% total ∙ Prolonged abstinence
motility ∙ antisperm antibodies
∙ Partial genital tract
obstruction
∙ Infection
∙ Sperm structural defects
∙ Idiopathic

Morphology > 4% normal (teratozoospermia) Cause similar to ↓ count