Semen Analysis in Lahore
A semen analysis is the first and most important test in male fertility assessment. It measures how much semen is produced and the number, movement and shape of the sperm. Dr. Kamran Saleem explains every part of the report in plain language and tells you what, if anything, to do next.
This is part of our Fertility Assessment & Diagnosis. Tests are recommended only when they are clinically appropriate and likely to guide your next step.
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What Does a Semen Analysis Measure?
A snapshot of sperm health.
- Volume and pH of the semen
- Sperm concentration and total sperm number
- Motility: how many sperm move, and how well they swim forward
- Morphology: the shape of the sperm
- Vitality: the proportion of live sperm
- Liquefaction and viscosity of the sample
WHO Reference Limits
These are lower limits seen in fertile men, not a pass or fail line.
The World Health Organization (WHO) 6th edition lower reference limits are:
- Semen volume: 1.4 mL or more
- Sperm concentration: 16 million per mL or more
- Total sperm number: 39 million per ejaculate or more
- Total motility: 42% or more
- Progressive motility: 30% or more
- Normal shape (morphology): 4% or more
- Vitality (live sperm): 54% or more
A man below a limit can still father a child, and a man within the limits can still have a problem. Interpretation needs the full picture.
How to Provide a Good Sample
Following the instructions improves accuracy.
- Abstain from ejaculation for about two to seven days before the test
- Wash your hands and collect the whole sample in the sterile container supplied
- Do not use ordinary lubricants, saliva or a standard condom, which can harm sperm
- Keep the sample at body temperature and deliver it within the laboratory's time limit, commonly within about an hour
- Note the time of collection and anything that was lost
- Tell us about fever, illness or antibiotics in the last three months and all medicines you take
Understanding the Terms on Your Report
Some names you may see.
- Oligozoospermia: low sperm concentration
- Asthenozoospermia: reduced sperm movement
- Teratozoospermia: a high proportion of abnormally shaped sperm
- Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT): a combination of all three
- Azoospermia: no sperm found in the ejaculate
- Normozoospermia: results within the reference limits
Why a Repeat Test May Be Needed
Sperm counts fluctuate.
Counts vary with illness, fever, stress and the days of abstinence. Sperm also take about three months to develop, so an abnormal first result is usually repeated, and a significant change in lifestyle or treatment is judged with a repeat test after about three months.
Additional Sperm Tests
Only in selected cases.
- Sperm DNA fragmentation: after recurrent miscarriage or repeated treatment failure
- Antisperm antibodies: if sperm clump together or after surgery or injury
- Semen culture: if infection is suspected
- Post-ejaculation urine test: if retrograde ejaculation is suspected
- Hormone and genetic tests: if the count is very low or sperm are absent
Hormone tests are covered in hormonal analysis.
What Happens After an Abnormal Result?
The next step depends on the cause.
Dr. Kamran repeats the test, looks for causes such as infection, varicocele, hormonal problems or medicines, and explains the options, which may include lifestyle changes, treatment of the cause, IUI, IVF or ICSI. See our guide to male infertility treatment.
Semen Analysis Cost in Lahore
Transparent fees.
The consultation fee is shown before you confirm. The semen analysis is priced separately, and additional tests are added only when clinically appropriate. You can ask for an itemised estimate.
Related Assessments
A fertility assessment is more than one test.
Other parts of a fertility assessment: Male Fertility Test, Female Fertility Test and Hormonal Analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a semen analysis take?
The sample is analysed within hours. The report is usually ready within a day or a few days, and we explain it in plain language.
What is a normal sperm count?
The WHO lower reference limit is 16 million sperm per mL, or 39 million in the whole ejaculate. A result below this is not automatically infertility, and it is usually repeated.
How many days of abstinence are needed?
Usually about two to seven days before the test.
Can I collect the sample at home?
Often yes, if the laboratory allows it, provided the sample is kept at body temperature and delivered within their time limit. Otherwise it is collected on site.
Why is a repeat semen analysis needed?
Sperm counts vary between samples, so an abnormal first result is usually confirmed with a repeat test.
What if no sperm are found?
This is called azoospermia. It is investigated with repeat tests, hormones, an ultrasound and sometimes genetic tests, and there are often options, including sperm retrieval.
Can fever or illness affect the result?
Yes. A fever or illness in the previous three months can lower sperm quality temporarily, so please tell us.
Does a normal semen analysis guarantee fertility?
No. It is reassuring, but fertility also depends on the female partner and on factors the test cannot show, such as sperm DNA quality.
Semen Analysis in Lahore With Dr. Kamran Saleem
At Kamran Fertility Clinic, Dr. Kamran Saleem provides the semen analysis with 25 years of experience in male and female reproductive health, and explains every result in plain language.
Investigations are recommended only when they are clinically appropriate, never as a routine package, and the aim is to find the cause before choosing any treatment.
If you already have reports from elsewhere, bring them and we will review what is worth repeating.
Clinic Locations
- Rasheed Hospital — DHA Lahore
- TAMC — M.M. Alam Road, Lahore
- Shahnaz Hospital — Shalamar Link Road, Lahore
Where treatment starts
Every treatment plan begins with the same first step — finding out what's actually causing the difficulty conceiving.
Other fertility treatments
IVF Treatment
Eggs and sperm are fertilized in the laboratory and an embryo is transferred to the uterus.
ICSI Treatment
A single sperm is injected into an egg, mainly when sperm factors make standard IVF unreliable.
IUI Treatment
Prepared sperm is placed in the uterus at ovulation, when the tubes are open and sperm quality allows.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
Frozen embryos are thawed and transferred in a cycle prepared for the uterine lining.
Embryo Genetic Testing (PGT)
Embryos are tested for chromosomal or inherited conditions before transfer, in selected cases.
Ovulation Induction & PCOS
Medication and monitoring to restore ovulation in PCOS and other cycle problems.
Male Infertility Treatment
Testing and treatment for low sperm count, azoospermia, varicocele and hormonal causes.
Egg & Sperm Freezing
Freezing eggs or sperm before cancer treatment, surgery or planned delay.
Take the next step
Not Sure Which Tests You Need?
Bring any existing reports to your consultation, and we will explain what they mean and what, if anything, is worth doing next.
We usually reply the same day.
Visit us
- Rasheed Hospital — Main Boulevard, DHA Defence, Lahore
- TAMC — M.M. Alam Road, Lahore
- Shahnaz Hospital — Shalamar Link Road, Lahore 54000
Opening hours
Mon–Sat: 11:00am – 9:00pm
Sun & public holidays: Closed