What retrograde ejaculation means Retrograde ejaculation is an ejaculatory disorder in which semen enters the bladder during orgasm rather than moving forward through the urethra and out of the penis. Orgasm may still feel normal or nearly normal, but the…

Why sperm delivery matters Conception depends not only on sperm production, but also on successful sperm transport. Sperm are produced in the testes, mature in the epididymis, move through the vas deferens, mix with secretions from the seminal vesicles and…

What sperm antibodies are Sperm antibodies are immunoglobulins that recognize proteins or other antigens on sperm. They may be found in semen, blood serum, cervical mucus, follicular fluid, or reproductive tract secretions. The main antibody classes described in fertility evaluation…

What “borderline” means in semen testing A borderline semen analysis usually means that one or more measured values are close to the lower reference limit used by the laboratory. These reference limits are often based on World Health Organization data…

What a semen test is measuring A standard semen analysis usually looks at volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, motility, morphology, and sometimes pH or liquefaction. Each part answers a different question. Concentration and total count reflect how many sperm…

What sperm morphology actually measures Sperm morphology is the assessment of sperm size and shape during a semen analysis. A trained laboratory professional examines stained sperm under a microscope and estimates what percentage have a typical appearance. The report may…

Start with the context, not just the numbers A semen analysis is usually part of a male fertility evaluation, but it can also be performed after vasectomy, before fertility treatment, or when there are concerns about ejaculation or reproductive tract…

How STIs affect the reproductive tract The reproductive tract is vulnerable because many STIs begin at mucosal surfaces, such as the cervix, urethra, rectum, or vagina, and then trigger local inflammation. If the infection is not recognized, organisms can sometimes…

Defining normal fertility, subfertility, and infertility Normal fertility is the capacity to conceive within a time frame that is statistically expected for a couple having regular unprotected intercourse. It is not the same as conceiving immediately. Human reproduction is inefficient…

Where sperm development begins Sperm development begins inside the testes, specifically within tightly coiled seminiferous tubules. These tubules provide the specialized environment where immature germ cells gradually become spermatozoa. Although sperm are often discussed only in relation to ejaculation, their…