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Anne Petersen

Blog posts by this author

Hyperspermia: What It Means, Causes, and Fertility Impact

Hyperspermia is a medical condition where semen volume per ejaculation is higher than normal, typically defined as ejaculate containing more than 5.5 mL of semen. High semen volume is not the same as high sperm count. Hyperspermia is often harmless, but it can affect fertility when a larger semen volume reduces sperm concentration.

Anne PetersenJun 4, 2026

Semen retention

Semen retention is the practice of intentionally avoiding ejaculation by refraining from masturbation and sexual intercourse. There is no strong evidence that semen retention benefits sperm quality, the likelihood of conceiving or general health. This article provides an evidence-based overview of sperm retention, details the sperm lifecycle, and explains the purported benefits and risks.

Anne PetersenJun 4, 2026

Watery Sperm: What It Means, Causes and Fertility Impact

Watery sperm usually refers to a change in semen consistency, with the ejaculate becoming thinner and more liquid. It is often a temporary change, and can be related to low sperm count, general health and male fertility challenges. However, watery ejaculate can also be caused by various lifestyle factors, such as diet or frequent ejaculation.

Anne PetersenJun 2, 2026

Zero sperm count (azoospermia): causes, treatment, and fertility options

Zero sperm count means no sperm are present in semen and is also known as azoospermia. A complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate can contribute to infertility, but conceiving a child may still be possible, depending on the cause of the azoospermia. This guide explains what azoospermia is, how it affects male fertility and what treatments are available.

Anne PetersenMay 27, 2026

Low Sperm Count (Oligozoospermia)

Low sperm count (oligozoospermia) is when there are fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen. A low sperm count can make it harder to conceive by reducing the likelihood that a healthy sperm cell will reach and fertilise the egg. This guide explains what oligozoospermia is, how it affects male fertility and what treatments are available.

Anne PetersenMay 27, 2026

Healthy Sperm: What It Means and How to Improve It

Healthy sperm refers to sperm cells that are well-shaped, move in a straight line at a good speed and occur in sufficient numbers to support fertilisation. Sperm health is affected by lifestyle, health and genetic factors, and is an important determinant of male fertility.

Anne PetersenMay 21, 2026

Can a woman get pregnant without a man?

Yes, a woman can get pregnant without a man. Solo motherhood is becoming an increasingly popular choice among women who want a family on their own terms, and a growing number of same-sex couples are also having children using a sperm donor. In this article, we discuss the various options available to lesbian couples and women considering becoming a single mum by choice (SMBC).

Anne PetersenFeb 11, 2026

What are the IVF Success Rates?

The average IVF success rate is around 30–40% per cycle for people under 35, gradually decreasing to 15–30% for those aged 35–40. However, IVF success rates depend on several factors, including age, overall health and any underlying fertility challenges. If you want to start a family using IVF, this article covers everything you need to know.

Anne PetersenFeb 2, 2026

IUI success rate: What to expect?

The IUI success rate ranges from 3% to 20% depending on several factors, including age, sperm quality and lifestyle. There’s a lot to know about intrauterine insemination (IUI), donor sperm and success rates, and understanding the statistics and their implications can be challenging. We’re here to help demystify IUI and answer your questions.

Anne PetersenFeb 2, 2026

Reciprocal IVF: A complete guide to shared motherhood

Reciprocal IVF is a unique option for same-sex couples wanting to start a family. At European Sperm Bank, we are here to guide you through the process and help you find the right sperm donor.

Anne PetersenSep 15, 2025

Pregnancy options for lesbian couples: What you need to know

Many couples dream of becoming parents, and modern fertility treatments make this dream easier to achieve. This blog post focuses on the different options for fertility treatment if you want to start a same-sex family.

Anne PetersenSep 15, 2025

Feeling lonely in pregnancy? You're not alone

Solo motherhood is an empowering journey. And while you’re excited about the life growing inside you, it's perfectly normal to sometimes feel overwhelmed. This blog post focuses on ways to cope with vulnerable moments.

Anne PetersenSep 10, 2025