Phsmn
A test that measures the acidity or alkalinity of semen to evaluate male reproductive health.
{"Semen pH measures how acidic or alkaline your semen is","Normal pH is between 7.2 and 8.0 (slightly alkaline)","Abnormal pH may indicate infection or fertility issues","The test is part of a routine semen analysis","Results help doctors assess male reproductive health"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2752-4
- Short code
- SEMPH, SPH, SEMENPH
- Synonyms
- pH Smn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Clean, wide-mouthed, non-lubricated, non-toxic plastic or glass specimen container
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 7.2
- Ref high
- 8
- Critical range
- 7 not specified – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- male
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Potentiometry using pH meter or colorimetric pH strip analysis
- CPT
- 89330
- SNOMED
- 197480006
- Specimen volume
- At least 1-2 mL of ejaculate (entire sample preferred for comprehensive analysis)
- Stability
- Specimen should be analyzed within 30-60 minutes of collection. Keep at room temperature (20-25°C). Do not refrigerate. Liquefaction typically occurs within 15-60 minutes post-collection.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The semen pH test measures the acidity or alkalinity of your semen using a special scale from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral. Values below 7 indicate acidity, while values above 7 indicate alkalinity. This test is performed on a semen sample collected during masturbation, typically at a doctor's office or laboratory.
How is the test performed?
You will be asked to provide a semen sample by masturbating into a sterile container. The sample should be collected after 2-5 days of sexual abstinence. The laboratory then uses a pH strip or meter to measure the pH level of your semen. The test is quick, painless, and is usually part of a complete semen analysis (sperm count, motility, and morphology).
What do the results mean?
Normal semen pH ranges from 7.2 to 8.0, which is slightly alkaline. This alkalinity helps protect sperm and supports their movement through the female reproductive tract. A pH below 7.2 may indicate an acidic environment that can harm sperm. A pH above 8.0 may suggest an infection, such as prostatitis or epididymitis. Your doctor will interpret your results along with other semen analysis parameters.
Reference range
7.2-8.0not specified
Abstain from ejaculation 2-7 days; collect by masturbation into sterile non-toxic container; deliver and analyze within 1 hour of collection
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does a abnormal pH mean I am infertile?
How should I prepare for the test?
Can I collect the sample at home?
What happens if my pH is abnormal?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy