2 to 5 days of sexual abstinence before the test is the recommended window for the most accurate and representative results. Too little abstinence reduces sperm concentration while too much impairs motility and DNA quality. Sperm quality can be temporarily reduced by stress, recent fever or illness, alcohol, smoking, heat exposure including hot tubs and saunas, tight clothing, and certain medications. These factors are why a single abnormal result should never be treated as a definitive diagnosis, and why a repeat test 2 to 4 weeks later is typically recommended before drawing any firm clinical conclusions.

Not necessarily. Sperm quality naturally varies between samples and a single abnormal result does not confirm infertility. Doctors at Galwa Care Hospital typically recommend a repeat test after 2 to 4 weeks and interpret results in the context of the patient's complete medical and lifestyle history before drawing any conclusions. Yes, semen quality can often be meaningfully improved. A balanced diet, regular moderate exercise, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, managing stress, avoiding heat exposure, and adequate sleep can significantly improve sperm parameters over 2 to 3 months, as the sperm production cycle takes approximately 72 to 90 days to complete.

Sperm count refers to the concentration of sperm per millilitre of semen, while Total Motile Sperm Count (TMSC) is the total number of motile sperm in the entire ejaculate, calculated by multiplying concentration by volume by percentage motility. TMSC is a more clinically meaningful figure for fertility planning as it reflects the actual number of functional sperm available for fertilisation rather than concentration alone. Yes, semen analysis can detect signs of genital tract infection. Elevated white blood cells in the semen, a condition known as leukocytospermia, indicates an active or recent infection of the genital tract that requires targeted antibiotic treatment before fertility treatment proceeds.

No fasting is required before a semen analysis. You should eat and drink normally on the day of the test. However, avoiding alcohol, heavy exercise, and extreme heat for 48 to 72 hours before collection is recommended to ensure the most representative sample quality. If your result shows a significant abnormality such as very low sperm count, absent sperm, or severely impaired motility, your specialist at Galwa Care Hospital will arrange a comprehensive follow-up evaluation including hormonal blood testing, scrotal ultrasound, and where indicated genetic testing, to identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate and personalised treatment pathway for your individual situation.