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Semen analysis
Semen analysis is the most basic test for men. For the test, men produce a sample of semen that goes to a lab for analysis. Men should refrain from sexual intercourse or masturbation for three days before the test.
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In a semen analysis, the lab determines sperm count (the number of sperm per milliliter of semen), sperm motility (how well the sperm moves), and sperm morphology (whether the sperm looks normal). Low sperm count doesn't necessarily mean a man is infertile. Although men with lower sperm counts tend to be more likely to be infertile, there are plenty of fertile men with low sperm counts, too. The sperm count may also show that the man isn't producing any sperm at all. Sperm that don't move well are less likely to make it to the egg; the female's reproductive tract filters out sluggish sperm. Sperm that are oddly shaped are less likely to be able to fertilize the egg. (Abnormal sperm do not cause abnormal pregnancies; they don't cause any pregnancies at all.) Even in a normal sample from a fertile man, the majority of the sperm can be abnormal, but a very high percentage of abnormal-looking sperm may indicate a problem.
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