Compare four common report values with the World Health Organization lower reference values without turning them into a score or diagnosis.
These values are reference points, not pass or fail lines. The WHO lower reference values describe the fifth-centile positions in a reference population of men whose partners conceived naturally within 12 months. A value on either side does not, by itself, confirm fertility or infertility.
A complete semen analysis contains several measurements. This explorer focuses on four values patients often see. Enter a number from a report or move the slider. The response shows position only. It does not assign a grade or explain a cause.
Entered value: 1.4 mL
The amount of semen collected in the sample container.
It does not measure sperm concentration or establish fertility by itself.
Entered value: 16 million/mL
The estimated number of sperm in one milliliter of semen.
It does not state the total number in the ejaculate or establish fertility by itself.
Entered value: 30%
The percentage of assessed sperm moving forward through the sample.
It does not assess sperm DNA or predict one person’s chance of pregnancy.
Entered value: 4%
The percentage of assessed sperm that meet the laboratory’s defined shape criteria.
It does not test sperm DNA or establish fertility by itself.
How to read the slider: The vertical marker is the WHO lower reference value. The response will tell you whether the number entered is below, at or above that reference point. This comparison does not determine fertility on its own.
AUA/ASRM guidance explains that semen parameters are variable biological measurements and may change substantially from one ejaculate to another. The complete report, collection details, medical history and partner factors belong with the numbers.
This explorer does not assess total sperm number, total motility, vitality, pH, DNA fragmentation, hormones or the clinical history that may change how a care team reads the report.
In Video 2, I explain the male hormone axis, the tests that may add information to a semen analysis, and what those results can and cannot show.
More plain-language explainers and interactive patient tools will be added here in the future.
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