Consistency of the sperm

The consistency of the sample is important as if it is too thick it can affect the motility of the sperm. A very thick sample would be analagous to the sperm swimming through treacle. The consistecny is determined in terms of liqufaction and viscosity:

• Liquefaction: When semen is ejaculated it coagulates as it is designed to stick to the woman's cervix, but over the next 10 - 20 minutes it will begin to liquefy. Liquefaction should be complete at the time of testing, and certainly within one hour of ejaculation.
  
  
• Viscosity: This is a measure of the fluid nature of the sample. Semen should have a fairly watery consistency at the time of testing.