For which purpose are semen specimens primarily used?

Semen specimens are primarily used for fertility testing and forensic analysis. In the context of fertility testing, semen analysis evaluates several parameters such as sperm count, motility, and morphology, which are crucial for diagnosing potential male infertility issues. This type of testing helps healthcare providers determine the likelihood of successful conception and allows for appropriate treatment options to be discussed with the patient.

In forensic analysis, semen specimens are critical as they can be collected from crime scenes and analyzed to provide evidence in investigations, such as sexual assault cases. The identification of sperm in semen can help link suspects to crimes or confirm the presence of a biological sample.

Focusing specifically on these two key areas – fertility assessment and forensic science – underscores the importance of semen specimens in clinical and legal contexts, while the other options do not accurately reflect the primary use of semen analysis. For example, testing for STDs is usually conducted using different types of specimens, hormonal level assessments typically involve blood or urine samples rather than semen, and organ transplantation compatibility is not related to semen specimens at all.