Finding out your sperm test results are abnormal is difficult, but it’s important to remember that this is the first step in learning more about your reproductive health and ways to improve it. An abnormal result isn’t a fertility death sentence - it means that further evaluation is needed. In this article, we go into what an abnormal sperm test result means, what happens next, and your options to take control of your health.
Your sperm test results
A sperm test or semen analysis evaluates several factors:
Sperm count: the number of sperm in your semen
Motility: the percentage of sperm that is actively moving
Morphology: the shape of your sperm
Volume and pH: the amount of semen produced and its acidity/alkalinity
Other factors: The test can check for infections and liquefaction time - how quickly your semen changes from gel to liquid.
A single abnormal test doesn’t mean there’s a permanent problem. Many factors, including lifestyle, health conditions, and even stress, can affect sperm quality. Since sperm production takes about 70 days, an illness or high stress during that period can temporarily impact your results.
Steps after an abnormal test result
Based on your results, your doctor will recommend the next steps:
Step 1: Retest
You may be advised to repeat the test in a few weeks to confirm whether the abnormal result was a one-time issue or something more consistent. As we’ve shared above, sperm takes around three months to regenerate so your results may vary. Your doctor will confirm the optimal time for a retest based on the initial results and any additional factors, such as any medication you’ve taken recently, or specific health issues.
Step 2: Identifying the causes
If the restest confirms your results, the next step is to determine what is causing the abnormal numbers. Your doctor will look into your lifestyle - smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and obesity can all impact your sperm health. You will be asked about medications and if you’re exposed to environmental toxins. Certain medications and exposure to chemicals at work and home can affect sperm production. They will also check for medical conditions, such as varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum), infections, hormonal imbalances, and genetic conditions that can impact sperm quality.
Step 3: Making the changes
In the case of no underlying medical conditions, your doctor will recommend lifestyle modifications. A healthy diet, moderate exercise, reducing stress, avoiding harmful substances, and managing heat exposure, can all support your sperm health. This part relies heavily on you and the changes you’re ready to make.
During this time, you can monitor your sperm health with at-home test kits like the Yo Sperm Test. The test, which measures sperm motility, can help you track improvements and make the necessary adjustments to your lifestyle.
Step 4: Medical treatment
If your sperm health doesn’t improve with lifestyle changes, or if an underlying medical condition is identified, your doctor may recommend further testing and/or treatment options:
- Hormonal Therapy: If the cause of your infertility is a hormonal imbalance (such as testosterone levels), your doctor will prescribe medication to help regulate levels.
- Surgery: Surgery is done in cases of varicoceles or blockages in the reproductive tract.
- Antibiotics: If an infection is present, treating it with antibiotics may improve your numbers
- Assisted Reproductive Technology: Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor can recommend options like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Great strides have been made in fertility medicine and assisted reproduction. While the journey can be longer, many become fathers with expert medical care.
Key Takeaway
An abnormal sperm test result isn’t the end of your parenthood dreams. Testing provides a stepping stone to learning more about your fertility and ways to improve it. Whether through lifestyle changes, medical treatment, or assisted reproduction, there are many paths to fatherhood. Take proactive steps: get a team you trust on board, and stay informed to give yourself the best chance of success.