Ep.246: How to Read a Sperm Analysis (And What "Normal" Really Means)

If you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year and want this level of detective work on your case, apply to work with me and my team here: https://drjanelevesque.com/application/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_audio_captivate

It takes about 5–7 minutes to complete. If we can help, we’ll invite you to a free Fertility Clarity Call with one of my team members. On that call, we’ll go through your story, see what’s been missed, and walk you through our simple 3‑step Clarify → Correct → Conceive process that’s helped over 70% of our clients finally bring home a healthy baby.

Episode Summary

If you've just gotten a sperm analysis back and were told it's fine, if you're heading into an IUI or IVF cycle without testing DNA fragmentation, or if you've been chasing better numbers with supplements alone, this episode is for you. I walk through a real case: a 30-year-old with a DNA fragmentation of 39%, normal reference ranges that are actually IVF thresholds, and the mistakes that quietly ruin a sperm test before it even starts, like collection-to-analysis time over an hour. I cover what volume, pH, motility, morphology, and viability should actually look like, why "normal" isn't optimal, and why ICSI can't fix damaged DNA no matter how good the egg is. You'll leave this episode knowing exactly what to test, what to ask your lab, and why real change starts with behavior, not supplements.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• A DNA fragmentation test costs a couple hundred dollars and can predict your IUI or IVF outcome before you start
• WHO sperm reference ranges are IVF thresholds, not what's optimal for natural conception
• Sperm analyzed more than an hour after collection gives you a false result, not a real one
• ICSI can bypass fertilization but it cannot fix damaged sperm DNA
• Poor embryo development is a sperm issue just as often as it's an egg issue
• Sperm regenerates in 70 to 90 days, so real change shows up on the next test, not this one

About Dr. Jane’s Practice

I’m a Naturopathic Doctor and Natural Fertility Expert. My team and I work 1:1 with couples who’ve been struggling with infertility for 1+ years to get to the root cause of their fertility issues so they can conceive and bring a healthy baby home, using advanced lab testing and personalized protocols.

Our mission is to make science-backed, natural fertility care the standard so more couples can build healthy, thriving families.

If you want this level of support on your own case, apply here: https://drjanelevesque.com/application/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=podcast_audio_captivate