Male infertility is often ignored in healthcare. But did you know that around one-third of infertile couples face problems in conceiving despite the tests showing all normal examination and tests. Semen analysis is a widely accepted test for men. It evaluates the sperm count, shape, and movement. All in all, semen analysis is performed to check sperm quality and detect potential abnormalities.

Male infertility can be due to several reasons: low sperm production, abnormality in sperm function. Now that you have a basic idea of semen analysis, let’s understand the cost analysis and what you need to know.

What does a semen analysis cost include?

One of the most important tests for assessing male fertility is semen analysis. It is a non-invasive diagnostic test. If a couple is having difficulty conceiving, it can be the first step towards evaluating the cause of the difficulty. If you are looking for a semen analysis test near me, ensure to understand that the sperm will be analysed on these parameters:

Volume

The total amount of ejaculate in the sample. The standard range is 1.5-6.5 ml. Any quantity above and beyond may indicate a problem. Volume refers to the sperm count in 1 ml of your ejaculate. This is important because a good concentration is required for a natural pregnancy to happen.

Concentration

Concentration or density here refers to the sperm count. A score between 20 and 40million/ml is considered optimal.

Motility

In male semens analysis, sperm motility refers to the percentage of sperm that are moving. A motility percentage of more than 40% is fine, but a percentage below that indicates an issue. The percentage of sperm that can swim rapidly should be 32% or more for optimal fertilisation.

Morphology

In semen analysis, morphology refers to the shape of sperm, which can vary in size and shape. Around 4% sperms must be normal. A good functional sperm concentration (FSC) is important because it relates to normally shaped sperm.

PH Level

The ideal PH level is considered 7.2-7.8. A sample below 7.2 means acidic, and more than 7.8 means alkaline. Any of these acidic or alkaline levels indicates high secretion from one or more of the accessory glands.

White Blood Cells

More white blood cells (leukocytes) indicate an infection or inflammation. Less than 5 million/ml.

Factors that affect the cost of semen analysis

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to cost, because every clinic is different. It directly depends on the facility, the level of testing (basic or advanced) and many such factors. Here is a simple analysis of the same:

Factors How they affect semen analysis cost
Basic Test: The test definitely leans towards the lower range, as no comprehensive test is involved. It can determine concentration, volume, motility, and morphology.
Advance Test: A comprehensive test that assesses sperm DNA fragmentation and breaks it down in a more advanced way.
Added MAR Test: The mixed anti-globulin reaction (MAR) can have some additional fees. This is to check the anti-sperm antibodies in the ejaculate.
Home Testing Kits: Home testing kits also have a cost and should be handed over to the clinic within an hour to ensure the test is accurate.
Consultation: You may need to attend a consultation before taking the test to understand better what’s required.
Location: Clinics in major areas of a city might charge slightly higher prices than those in off-areas.

Benefits of semen analysis for couples

  • Reduces the full treatment cost: Semen analysis helps reduce overall treatment costs. If the issue lies in the sperm, it can be treated straight away, and not waste money on other diagnoses and treatments. Therefore, the average treatment cost is reduced.
  • Reduces IVF failure: Apart from economic benefits, it also helps reduce IVF failure (There is a 5-10% risk of fertilisation failure in IVF). It helps couples to get rid of emotional distress, monetary issues, and also health risks that come with the failure of fertility treatments back-to-back.
  • Other Benefits: The semen analysis test is also used to check the effectiveness of a vasectomy. If a male wants to become a sperm donor, semen analysis is important in that case as well.

Tips for better sperm health

Now that we have discussed semen analysis, let’s look at tips for healthier sperm. First, avoid smoking and drinking. And focus on physical health, avoiding weight gain. More oestrogen means more heat, and it affects sperm production. Focus on stress and chronic health.

Avoid very hot baths or heat from laptops. Eat green leafy vegetables, maintain a good protein intake, maintain a balanced diet, and avoid sugar.

Final Words

The cost of semen analysis varies across clinics. It depends on the clinic’s location, the details included in the test, and whether a consultation is included in the cost. The details added also vary; some may include a standard semen analysis, while others may include advanced sperm DNA fragmentation testing. A few may prefer a home test, while others may prefer an advanced lab test.

You can boost sperm quality with professional nutritional support. The Male Fertility Clinic has well-designed packages for addressing male sexual health with semen analysis, post-vasectomy sperm analysis, advanced testing, consultations and blood tests.