Macroscopic Semen Parameters

Macroscopic evaluation of semen is the initial step of semen analysis after semen collection and incubation. It encompasses several crucial observations that may not be quantitatively measured but still holds significant clinical importance. It includes the measurement of semen volume, evaluation of viscosity, liquefaction, pH, colour, and odour. It provides valuable information that helps in analysing semen reports and guides for further evaluation and management. Knowledge about physiologic aspects of human ejaculate is useful in interpretation of pathological values. Semen volume estimation is most important, as it gives information about functional status of male accessory glands and helps in accurate estimation of total ejaculate count, etc. Semen pH measurement is useful in cases of infection and low volume ejaculates to rule out ejaculatory duct obstruction or seminal vesical hypoplasia/aplasia.