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Fertility Glossary

Leukocytospermia

A raised number of white blood cells in semen, which may or may not need treatment.

Infections

Leukocytospermia means a higher than expected number of white blood cells (round cells that stain positive for leukocytes) are found in the semen. It can be associated with infection or inflammation of the reproductive tract, but it can also occur without any infection being identified, so its presence alone does not automatically mean antibiotics are needed. When leukocytospermia is found, doctors typically assess for symptoms of infection, consider relevant tests, and decide on treatment based on the overall clinical picture rather than treating the semen finding by itself. Persistent leukocytospermia has been linked in some studies with reduced sperm motility and increased oxidative stress, so it is usually reviewed alongside the rest of the semen analysis.

Also known as: pyospermia, pus cells in semen, white cells in semen

Sources

  • World Health Organization (who.int)
  • ICMR Standard Treatment Workflows (icmr.gov.in/standard-treatment-workflows-stws)

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only โ€” always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

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