Semen quality
Semen quality describes how well a man’s ejaculate is able to fertilize an egg. Three main characteristics of the sperm contained are assessed:
- Count: How many sperm are present in one milliliter of ejaculate. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a normal sperm concentration is at least 15 million sperm per millilitre.
- Mobility (motility): How well the sperm can move. Only motile sperm can swim to the egg.
- Shape (morphology): Whether the sperm have a healthy, typical shape (e.g. with an oval head and long tail) that is important for fertilization.
Good sperm quality is an important factor for a man’s fertility. If one or more of these characteristics deviate significantly from the normal value, it can become more difficult to conceive a child naturally.
Sperm quality can be influenced by many internal and external factors, including:
- Age
- Nutrition
- Smoking, alcohol, drugs
- Stress
- Exposure to heat (e.g. from sauna, hot baths or tight clothing)
- Hormone disorders
- Infections or inflammation in the genital area
- Environmental pollutants
A spermiogram is usually carried out to assess sperm quality. The man provides a semen sample for this, which is examined in detail in the laboratory.
This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. It is in no way a substitute for a professional examination or treatment by a licensed physician. If you have any health complaints or uncertainties, please always consult a medical professional – especially if you have any questions about intimate surgery or sexual health.
