The present invention relates to the field of mammalian reproduction and provides methods, compositions and kits for detecting and assessing spermatozoa and intervening cells in a semen sample which are applicable to human and veterinary uses. Various aspects of the present invention provide for a cytometric multiparametric approach for determining spermatozoa concentration in a semen sample, wherein the cytometric multiparametric approach involves use of one or more spermatozoa-specific detection agents for detection of spermatozoa in the semen sample and one or more intervening cells-specific detection agents.