What is the purpose of semen analysis?

The purpose of semen analysis is primarily to evaluate fertility and verify sterilization. This analysis involves various assessments, including sperm count, motility, morphology, and overall semen volume, which collectively help in understanding a man’s reproductive health and capacity to conceive.

In the context of fertility evaluation, the semen analysis provides crucial insights that can indicate potential issues affecting fertility, such as low sperm count or poor sperm motility. Such factors can be barriers to conception, and understanding them allows for tailored treatment plans to be developed for couples trying to conceive. Additionally, semen analysis can confirm the effectiveness of a vasectomy, serving as an essential tool for physicians in assessing whether a man has achieved sterility post-procedure.

Other options involve unrelated aspects of health assessment. For instance, determining blood type focuses on the blood grouping system important in transfusions. Testing for infections in the blood concerns pathogens and diseases rather than reproductive capabilities. Analyzing hormone levels is typically related to endocrine function and does not directly assess male fertility through semen. Thus, the focus of semen analysis distinctly aligns with reproductive health evaluation, affirming the correctness of the chosen answer.