Understanding sperm count

Approximately 1 in 7 heterosexual couples in the U.K. are affected by fertility issues. It’s a good idea for both you and your partner to find out more about each other’s reproductive health, if you’re planning to grow  your family. For men this may mean taking a sperm count test. 

WHAT IS IT?

Your sperm count is the average number of sperm in one sample of semen. The standard number of sperm per millilitre of semen ranges from 15 million to above 200 million sperm, less than 15 million sperm per milliliter is regarded as low. The lower your sperm count, the more difficult it could be to conceive naturally. 

WHAT CAUSES A LOW SPERM COUNT? 

Male fertility issues, due to low sperm health are fairly common with a 2017 study showing that sperm count has declined by over 50% in the last 40 years.

It’s not always easy to determine what contributes to issues with sperm quality, but sometimes they are linked to:

• A hormonal imbalance 
• Having had undescended testicles as a baby
• Damage to the tubes that carry sperm
• Enlarged veins in the testicles
• Alcohol, smoking, or drugs 

TRACKING SPERM HEALTH

A semen analysis test, examines the health of your sperm by measuring three key factors:

• The number of sperm 
• The shape of the sperm 
• The movement of the sperm, otherwise known as ‘sperm motility’

Knowing your sperm count could give you peace of mind as you and your partner embark on your fertility journey. Access Fertility has partnered with ExSeed Health to provide home sperm analysis test kits, which allow you to track your sperm volume, motility and concentration. 

If any of your test results come back with anything unexpected or surprising, we advise that you reach out and speak to your GP or another medical professional to explore your options. 

Visit our shop to discover our range of home sperm analysis test kits.