Sperm progressive motility
What this test measures
The percentage of sperm swimming forwards in a purposeful way, the fraction that matters most for reaching an egg. Semen analysis is interpreted as a whole by the fertility team, using WHO reference limits that describe the lower 5 percent of men who fathered a child within a year. A single sample below a limit is repeated after two to three months, because production varies a great deal and takes about ten weeks.
Why doctors request it
Part of every semen analysis, requested in fertility clinics and after vasectomy (where the aim is no sperm at all).
What commonly pushes it up
- A fresh sample examined promptly
What commonly pushes it down
- A delay before examination
- The same causes as reduced total motility
Everyday reasons for a value outside the range
- Production varies a great deal between samples from the same man
- Abstinence of less than two or more than seven days changes the result
- A sample that reaches the lab late reads poorly
About the sample
Two to seven days of abstinence, collected into the lab pot, delivered within an hour and kept at body temperature.
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Read my report freeThis is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.