Table 1.

WHO reference range for semen analysis with examples of main abnormalities related to semen analysis

Semen Parameter	Reference Range	Abnormality	Description
Semen volume	≥1.5 ml
pH	≥7.2
Sperm concentration	≥15 million sperm/ml	Azoospermia	Absence of sperm in seminal plasma
		Oligozoospermia	<15 million spermatozoa/ml
		Cryptozoospermia	<1 million spermatozoa/ml
Total sperm count	≥39 million sperm/ ejaculate
Total sperm motility	≥40% motile sperm	Asthenozoospermia	<40% total motile spermatozoa or <32% progressive motile spermatozoa
Progressive sperm motility	≥32% progressively motile sperm	Asthenozoospermia	<40% total motile spermatozoa or <32% progressive motile spermatozoa
Sperm morphology	≥4% morphologically normal sperm	Teratozoospermia	<4% normal form/morphology
		Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT syndrome)	Combination of <15 million spermatozoa/ml, <32% progressive motile spermatozoa, and <4% normal form

Based on WHO reference range for semen analysis (Cooper et al 2010 (34)).

Abbreviations: pH, potential of hydrogen; WHO, World Health Organization.