For a semen analysis, the WHO defines a healthy sample as having:
  A concentration of 15 million sperm per ml of ejaculate
  An ejaculate volume of at least 1.5 ml
  At least 4% normally shaped sperm
  At least 40% moving sperm
  Minimal clumping of the sperm cells
  A normal viscosity (thickness of the semen)

Yes. There are different types of semen analysis tests for different reasons. A complete semen analysis, for example, is the first step for know if there is any male infertility, whereas a partial semen analysis will be used after a vasectomy to determine whether the procedure has been successful. There is also retrograde semen analysis, which is used in cases where the ejaculate backs up into the bladder rather than exiting through the penis. This can happen as a result of a nerve injury or other medical complications. For spinal cord injuries there are also a variety of techniques to help in acquiring a semen sample depending on the severity of the injury. Please feel free to contact our office for more questions on this matter.

In order to yield the most accurate results, it’s important that patients take proper preparations before making the sample. These precautions include:
Avoid ejaculation for two to five days before the test;
Avoid any medications that may negatively impact the results, as instructed by your doctor;
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drugs for at least two days before the test;
Be properly hydrated (semen has a high water content, which can negatively influence the viscosity if not hydrated well enough).