Q: Should I retest if my results are borderline?

Yes, always retest after 2-3 months if results are borderline or abnormal. Sperm parameters can vary 20-30% between tests due to illness, stress, or lifestyle factors. The full sperm production cycle takes 74 days, so improvements from lifestyle changes take 2-3 months to show in tests.

Q: What is progressive motility vs total motility?

Progressive motility measures sperm swimming forward in straight lines or large circles - the most important for reaching the egg. Total motility includes all moving sperm, even those swimming in circles. WHO requires 32% progressive motility. If your report only shows total motility, aim for 40%+ as a good benchmark.

Q: Can stress really affect my sperm test results?

Yes! Chronic stress disrupts hormone production, potentially reducing sperm count by 30-40% and motility by 20%. Stress hormones like cortisol interfere with testosterone production. Managing stress through exercise, adequate sleep (7-8 hours), and relaxation techniques can improve parameters within one sperm cycle (74 days).

Q: What lifestyle changes improve sperm quality fastest?

The most impactful changes: 1) Avoid heat (hot baths, saunas, tight clothing), 2) Quit smoking/vaping (improves count 50%+), 3) Limit alcohol to 2 drinks/week, 4) Exercise 30 min/day (not excessive), 5) Take antioxidants (Vitamin C, E, CoQ10), 6) Manage weight (BMI 20-25). Most men see improvements within 2-3 months.

Question 1

What is a normal sperm count?

Accepted Answer

A normal sperm count ranges from 15 to 259 million sperm per milliliter (WHO 2021). Below 15 million/mL is considered low (oligospermia), but many men with counts between 5-15 million still conceive naturally. Zero sperm (azoospermia) requires specialized treatment. Upload your report to see where you stand.

Question 2

How do I read my semen analysis results?

Accepted Answer

Focus on four key parameters: 1) Sperm Count (concentration) - should be >15 million/mL, 2) Motility - at least 32% swimming forward, 3) Morphology - 4%+ normal shapes, 4) Volume - 1.5-5mL is normal. Upload your report to Hera for instant AI interpretation that explains what each number means for your fertility.

Question 3

What does 30% motility mean for my fertility?

Accepted Answer

30% motility is slightly below the WHO standard of 32%, meaning fewer sperm are swimming forward effectively. This is called mild asthenozoospermia. The good news? Simple lifestyle changes like reducing heat exposure, improving diet, and managing stress often boost motility within 2-3 months.

Question 4

Is 2% morphology normal?

Accepted Answer

2% normal morphology is below the WHO standard of 4%, classified as teratozoospermia. However, morphology is the least predictive parameter - many fertility experts consider anything above 1% workable for natural conception. Focus more on improving count and motility, which respond better to lifestyle changes.

Question 5

What's the difference between total sperm count and concentration?

Accepted Answer

Concentration is sperm per milliliter (million/mL), while total count is concentration × volume. For example: 20 million/mL concentration × 3mL volume = 60 million total count. WHO considers >39 million total count normal. Both matter, but concentration is often more important for natural conception.

Question 6

What do my low sperm count results mean?

Accepted Answer

Low sperm count (oligospermia) means fewer than 15 million sperm/mL. Mild cases (10-15 million) often improve with lifestyle changes. Moderate (5-10 million) may benefit from supplements and medical evaluation. Severe (<5 million) typically requires fertility treatment. Many factors are reversible within 2-3 months.

Question 7

Should I retest if my results are borderline?

Accepted Answer

Yes, always retest after 2-3 months if results are borderline or abnormal. Sperm parameters can vary 20-30% between tests due to illness, stress, or lifestyle factors. The full sperm production cycle takes 74 days, so improvements from lifestyle changes take 2-3 months to show in tests.

Question 8

What is progressive motility vs total motility?

Accepted Answer

Progressive motility measures sperm swimming forward in straight lines or large circles - the most important for reaching the egg. Total motility includes all moving sperm, even those swimming in circles. WHO requires 32% progressive motility. If your report only shows total motility, aim for 40%+ as a good benchmark.

Question 9

Can stress really affect my sperm test results?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Chronic stress disrupts hormone production, potentially reducing sperm count by 30-40% and motility by 20%. Stress hormones like cortisol interfere with testosterone production. Managing stress through exercise, adequate sleep (7-8 hours), and relaxation techniques can improve parameters within one sperm cycle (74 days).

Question 10

What lifestyle changes improve sperm quality fastest?

Accepted Answer

The most impactful changes: 1) Avoid heat (hot baths, saunas, tight clothing), 2) Quit smoking/vaping (improves count 50%+), 3) Limit alcohol to 2 drinks/week, 4) Exercise 30 min/day (not excessive), 5) Take antioxidants (Vitamin C, E, CoQ10), 6) Manage weight (BMI 20-25). Most men see improvements within 2-3 months.

Your Sperm Test Questions, Answered

What is a normal sperm count?

How do I read my semen analysis results?

What does 30% motility mean for my fertility?

Is 2% morphology normal?

What's the difference between total sperm count and concentration?

What do my low sperm count results mean?

Should I retest if my results are borderline?

What is progressive motility vs total motility?

Can stress really affect my sperm test results?

What lifestyle changes improve sperm quality fastest?

Which vitamins and supplements help sperm quality?

What is SmartScore and how does it work?

How accurate is AI sperm analysis compared to lab testing?

What makes SmartScore different from regular semen analysis?

What is DNA fragmentation and should I test for it?

When should I see a fertility specialist?

What additional tests might a fertility doctor recommend?

Introducing the SmartScore Tool

What is SmartScore?

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