Semen assessment.

Semen analysis initiates the evaluation of the male partner of an infertile couple, and is generally the first test ordered when a couple presents with concerns of infertility. This article outlines the steps involved in the initial evaluation of the man's fertility potential, the interpretation of the results, and the prognostic value of these results. A look into the future of this long-standing test concludes with some interesting concepts for male infertility evaluation.