Understanding your test score
Thanks for taking your latest test, your score is in the normal total motile sperm count range. On this page we’ll take you through what your score means, give you some tips on how to improve your sperm health, as well as explaining further support available to you from our team.
Understanding the Total Motile Sperm Count.
The ExSeed Home Sperm Test measures the Total Motile Sperm Count ( the total amount of sperm cells moving forward per ejaculate). It’s one of the best predictors of male fertility because it measures the amount of sperm cells that could possibly reach the egg after intercourse. We categorise sperm TMSC into 2 bands:
The number involves three measurements: volume, concentration, and motility. A normal score means your sperm had a normal-to-high reading for one or more of these parameters:
Here you can see the estimated probability of conception per ovulation cycle for different TMSC levels:
Semen volume is the total quantity of fluid ejaculated. A normal volume is more than 1.5ml. Below that is called Hypospermia and can, for example, be caused by hormonal abnormalities or ductal blockage.
Sperm motility is the forward motion of sperm cells. For a sperm to fertilize the egg, it must travel quickly through the female reproductive system, which requires a strong forward swimming motion. Our algorithm tracks forward motility, which is also referred to as progressive motility. Normal motility is above 32% of the sperm cells moving, below that is called asthenozoospermia.
What does a normal test score mean?
Understanding the Total Motile Sperm Count.
Below normal | Normal | |
---|---|---|
Total Motile Sperm Count (million) | <7.5 | >7.5 |
The number involves three measurements: volume, concentration, and motility. A normal score means your sperm had a normal-to-high reading for one or more of these parameters:
Below normal | Normal | |
---|---|---|
Semen Volume (mL) | <1.5 | >1.5 |
Sperm Concentration ( million/mL) | <15 | >15 |
Sperm Motility (%) | <32 | >32 |
TMSC Range | Change of pregnancy per cycle |
---|---|
<7.5 million motile sperm cell | 6-12% |
7.5 – 45 million motile sperm cells | 12-18% |
>45 million motile sperm cells | 18-24% |
Volume
Semen volume is the total quantity of fluid ejaculated. A normal volume is more than 1.5ml. Below that is called Hypospermia and can, for example, be caused by hormonal abnormalities or ductal blockage..
Concentration
Sperm concentration is a measurement of how many sperm cells there are in each milliliter of semen. A normal concentration is above 15 million sperm cells per milliliter. Being below 15 million sperm cells per milliliter is referred to as oligospermia, and it is called azoospermia if there are no sperm cells at all.
Motility
Sperm motility is the forward motion of sperm cells. For a sperm to fertilize the egg, it must travel quickly through the female reproductive system, which requires strong forward swimming motion. Our algorithm tracks forward motility, which is also referred to as progressive motility. Normal motility is above 32% of the sperm cells moving, below that is called asthenozoospermia.
What affects your sperm health?
There are a number of factors that affect your total motile sperm count. Below are…
Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors including diet, weight, bad habits, medication and even heat affect your sperm health. Read more...
Medical
Certain medical conditions impact your sperm production or the journey of your sperm from testicles to your semen.
Read more...
Genetic
Some men who experience low sperm count and infertility are impacted by genetic defects that can cause sperm count and quality to be abnormal.
Read more...
What next? How can I improve my score
Take a test
Our immediate recommendation is to take a second test after a minimum of 48 hours. There are a number of factors that can create natural variation in sperm samples and by taking additional tests you'll get a more accurate picture of your sperm health overtime (which you can track in the ExSeed app).
Introduce healthy habits
There are a number of lifestyle changes you can start making including exercising more, improving nutrition and limiting bad habits. You can find more by reading our lifestyle blog or heading to general advice with the app.
Start taking supplements
We have a fertility supplement multipack that includes all the necessary vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fish oils to improve your sperm health.
Continue testing
It will take time for the changes you make to impact your sperm health so it's important to keep monitoring your sperm. We recommend testing once per month.
Got a question? Ask our medical team
If you have any questions about your test or upcoming tests our medical team is at hand to help. Whether you prefer a call, email or message, we’ll be here for you.
How your lifestyle affects fertility
Many aspects of your current lifestyle can impact your fertility. here are general recommendations on what you can do to improve sperm count and motility.
Cigarette smoking
The exposure to tobacco smoke has significant negative effects on semen quality.
Read more
Physical activity
Scientific studies show that men who are physically active have better semen parameters than men who are inactive.
Read more
Cell phone
When you have your cell phone in your front pocket, your testicles are exposed to electromagnetic radiation, which studies have shown to damage the sperm cells.
Read more
Wearing tight pants and underwear
Studies show that men who wear looser underwear have higher sperm concentration and total sperm count compared to men who wear tighter underwear.
Read more