Semen test · Medicus
Semen sample – analysis of the sperm quality. Book an appointment without a referral.
A semen analysis involves an analysis of the man's sperm quality. Reduced sperm quality in men is one of the most common reasons why couples fail to conceive, which is why a semen analysis is always part of a fertility evaluation for couples who are unsuccessful in conceiving on their own.
Would you prefer to book in a different way? Submit the appointment booking form or call us
What is a semen sample?
More than just a simple test.
A semen sample is a check of the man's sperm quality. The semen analysis is carried out in the laboratory by our embryologists or andrology technicians who perform a number of different tests on the semen sample. Normally, an analysis is done of:
Sperm concentration
The number of sperm cells per milliliter in the sample.
Motility
Sperm motility.
Semen volume
Total amount and number of sperm cells.
Thickness
The sample's consistency (viscosity).
Assessment of round cells
Cells other than sperm in the sample.
PH value
The acidity of the sample.
DNA fragmentation analysis
If DNA damage is suspected in the man's sperm, a DNA fragmentation analysis can also be performed to examine the degree of DNA damage per sperm cell. One reason for performing the analysis may be that one has undergone assisted fertilization treatment several times without success, and it is suspected that something with the sperm cells is causing it.
Who and why
Who needs to take a semen sample?
Couples who want to get pregnant
A semen analysis is always part of a fertility evaluation for couples who are unable to conceive on their own. The reason for this is that the man's sperm quality can be one of the reasons why couples fail to achieve pregnancy. It is therefore important to check sperm quality.
Men who want to investigate their own fertility
It is also possible for men to take a single semen sample to check their fertility, regardless of whether they want children now, later, or are just curious about their own fertility.
Why do you have to take a semen sample?
For couples who have problems getting pregnant, it is important to identify the underlying causes, and this always involves an assessment of both the man and the woman. There may be underlying problems in one or both partners that make it difficult to get pregnant, so it is important to investigate where the problem lies so that we can find the best course of treatment for you.
There are various factors that can affect male fertility, including lifestyle factors such as being overweight, underweight, tobacco use, poor nutrition and the use of medications such as anabolic steroids. Therefore, there are also measures that can be taken to improve sperm quality. Based on the results of the sperm test, our experienced experts will advise you on the way forward.
For some, it will be appropriate to set up a treatment plan with the goal of improving sperm quality. If it turns out that the cause of the reduced sperm quality cannot be improved or that it will not provide sufficient improvement for you to become pregnant on your own, assisted reproduction will be an option.
This is how it works
This is how a semen test is performed.
The sample can be taken at the clinic or at home, and analyzed by our embryologists or andrology technicians. Here are the main steps.
Step 1
Book an appointment online
Choose your city and available time online. No referral needed.
Step 2
Identification upon delivery
Presentation of valid ID and identification when delivering the sample. You are responsible for the contents of the cup, and must sign that the sample is from you and no one else upon delivery.
Step 3
Take the test
The test is preferably performed at the clinic, where we have separate rooms. Please abstain from sex for 2–3 days before the test.
Step 4
Analysis and response
The sample is analyzed by our embryologists or andrology technicians. You will normally receive the results of the sample the same day or the next day, unless otherwise agreed.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may be wondering…
Here are the questions we get most often about semen analysis.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book an appointment for a semen test directly with us, without a referral from your GP.
How do I prepare?
You should abstain from sex for a minimum of 2 days, but no longer than 3 days, before taking the test. Abstinence for too short or too long will affect the test and the assessment.
Can I take the test at home?
We prefer that you come to the clinic, where we have dedicated rooms for this. If you wish to take the sample at home, it must be kept warm (e.g. in the armpit) and delivered to the clinic within 30 minutes, in the cup you have been given.
When will I get the test results?
The sample is analyzed in the laboratory by our experienced embryologists and andrology technicians. You will normally receive the results of the sample the same day or the next day, unless otherwise agreed.
Where can I take a semen sample?
We take sperm samples at our clinics in Oslo, Trondheim, Bergen and Stavanger. Select your city in online booking at the top of the page.
How much does a sperm test cost?
See our price list for a complete overview of our prices.
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make an appointment
Ready to take a semen sample?
Simply book an appointment online or call us. You will get an appointment quickly and no referral is needed.
Would you prefer to book in a different way? Submit the appointment booking form or call us