Laboratories use different evaluative criteria but in general sperm count, volume, shape, viscosity, swimming ability and liquefaction are all important measurements for male fertility.

Male fertility requires that the male produce an adequate quantity of "quality" sperm that can be ejaculated into the vagina. Once ejaculated, the sperm must be capable of swimming through the cervix, into the uterus, and to the distal end of the fallopian tubes. A sperm must attach to, and penetrate, the zona pellucida (membrane surrounding the egg) and fertilize the egg.

Diagnosis of male infertility has a special caveat in that sperm examined today actually began their development three months prior. The quantity and quality of sperm seen today are influenced by factors that were present three months past, which may or may not still be present.

A reproductive medicine laboratory should evaluate male fertility. HRC's California fertility clinics employ andrologists with years of experience evaluating even the most subtle sperm abnormalities.