Table 3.
Reference Values for Semen Parameters, as Published in Consecutive WHO Manuals.
| Semen parameters | WHO, 1992 | WHO, 1999 | WHO, 20101 |
| Volume | ≥ 2 mL | ≥ 2 mL | 1.5 mL |
| Sperm concentration/mL | ≥ 20 × 106/mL | ≥ 20 × 106/mL | 15 × 106/mL |
| Total sperm concentration | ≥ 40 × 106 | ≥ 40 × 106 | 39 × 106 |
| Total motility (% motile) | ≥ 50% | ≥ 50% | 40% |
| Progressive Motility2 | ≥ 25% (grade a) | ≥ 25% (grade a) | 32% (a + b) |
| Vitality (% alive) | ≥ 75% | ≥ 75% | 58% |
| Morphology | ≥ 30%3 | 14%4 | 4%5 |
| Leukocyte count | < 1.0 × 106/mL | < 1.0 × 106/mL | < 1.0 × 106/mL |
WHO = World Health Organization.
1
Lower reference limit obtained from the lower fifth centile value.
2
Grade a = rapid progressive motility (> 25 μm/s); grade b = slow/sluggish progressive motility (5–25 μm/s); Normal = 50% motility (grades a + b) or 25% rapid progressive motility (grade a) within 60 min of ejaculation.
3
Arbitrary value.
4
No actual value given, but multicenter studies refer to > 14% (strict criteria) for in vitro fertilization (IVF).
5
Normal shaped spermatozoa according to Tygerberg (Kruger) strict criteria.