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Abstract Male factor infertility accounts for 30 % of cases. Semen analysis is the first step for the investigation of the infertile couples. Normal semen is a mixture of spermatozoa suspended in secretions from the testis and epididymis, which are mixed at the time of ejaculation with secretions from the prostate, seminal vesicles, and bulbourethral glands. The final composition is a viscous fluid that comprises the ejaculate. Spermatozoa are produced by a process called spermatogenesis Normal values of semen parameters issued by the WHO in 2010 are generally used as reference values. Sharp discrimination between a fertile and infertile male is not possible on the basis of WHO parameters except in cases of azoospermia. Semen characteristics are highly variable, both within and among men, and are not the sole determinants of a couple’s fertility; the ranges therefore provide only a guide to a man’s fertility status. Interpretation of routine semen analysis results can identify and often help to correct some causes of male infertility and it should be performed on multiple ejaculates before characterizing a man as normal or infertile. Specialized semen analysis has been developed due to failure of routine one to distinguish between fertile and infertile men. Sperm function testing is used to determine if the sperm is able to penetrate the cervical mucus, undergo capacitation and the AR, ZP penetration, and ooplasm incorporation. Defects in any of these steps may result in infertility. The most important three functions that are investigated widely: sperm–mucus penetration, AR, and zona penetration assay. The newer sperm function tests include assessment of ROS status, tests of sperm DNA, FISH analysis and ultrafine morphology of sperms |