It is a test that evaluates the quality of the ejaculated semen. In this test the man, through masturbation, obtains a sample of semen in an adequate receptacle. This sample has to be handed in to the sterility laboratory no later than one hour after ejaculation. It is also essential that a sexual abstinence period of 3 to 5 days is observed before the test. The quality of the semen may vary considerably if the sexual abstinence period is not observed.

Bad quality semen is one of the most frequent causes of infertility. The sperm test is a test carried out in the first basic study to discover the causes of infertility.

To consider the quality of the semen as normal we are guided by the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO). These standards give an idea of the possibilities of achieving pregnancy through natural methods and allow us to choose the best therapeutic strategy in each case. Is it sometimes necessary to repeat the sperm test? Sometimes it is convenient to carry out two or even three sperm tests in order to have a correct semen evaluation.

The quality of the spermatozoids may vary throughout the year or be altered for various reasons: infections, drugs, heat, tobacco, etc. For this reason, two or three sperm tests might be needed for a reliable diagnosis, particularly when there might be an alteration of the parameters evaluated.

Only in some cases. With a low count of spermatozoids, the levels of FSH and testosterone have to be measured. If the FSH is high, it shows a failure of the testicles to hormonal stimulation. If there is no sperm in the man's ejaculate (azoospermia), normal levels of FSH suggest a blockage that is not allowing the spermatozoids to reach the ejaculate.