About 30 % of men are sub-fertile and at least 2 % are infertile, so you are not alone! Also, a man's sperm count can vary dramatically, so it is important to have at least two semen analyses done.

What is normally tested in a semen analysis?

Concentration (sperm/millilitre): 20 million sperm or more per millilitre is normal

Morphology (sperm shape; normal structure associated with sperm health): 30% of the sperm should have a normal form/appearance

Motility (or mobility): 50% of sperm still active after two hours

Volume (total volume of ejaculate) - 3 millilitres or anything in the 2 to 6 ml range is considered normal

Total motile count: the number of moving sperm in the entire ejaculate. This is calculated by multiplying the volume by the concentration by the motility. A count of at least 40 million is normal

Semen fluid tests to check the colour, viscosity (thickness) and the time until the specimen liquefies

He may also be offered a MAR (mixed antiglobulin reaction) test, which looks for the presence of any antisperm antibodies that could prevent conception from happening.

Some factors that can affect sperm quality

Heat - try to avoid hot baths, saunas, jacuzzis, excessive exercise, and wear loose fitting underclothes.

Very frequent intercourse - ejaculating 2 to 3 times a day

Smoking or taking recreational drugs

Drinking excessive alcohol

Varicocele - which is a condition where there are varicose veins around the testicle and vas deferens.

Illness in the last 3 months that caused a fever

Medicinal drugs, especially steroids

Injury to the testes

Hormonal imbalance

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Frequently asked fertility questions