Sample Production for Investigating Retrograde Ejaculation

Sample Production for Investigating Retrograde Ejaculation

Patient information

Fertility Fusion

• Author ID:           LW / EB
• Leaflet ref:          FF 009
• Version:              9
• Leaflet title:         Sample Production for Investigating Retrograde Ejaculation
• Last review:         October 2025
• Expiry date:         October 2027

Sample Production Requirements for Investigation of Retrograde Ejaculation

Please read all this information carefully prior to your test.

Retrograde Ejaculation occurs when semen enters the bladder instead of emerging through the penis during orgasm. You may ejaculate very little or no semen. Retrograde Ejaculation is not harmful, but it can lead to infertility. It can be caused by some medications, health conditions, and previous surgery to the bladder neck.

Getting an Appointment

• Andrology tests are strictly by appointment. Call the Andrology Department on 01257 256251 for a timed call back.
• Testing is performed at Fertility Fusion, with morning and afternoon appointments available.
• Inform the Appointments clerk that the test is for retrograde ejaculation testing to be allocated a longer time slot.
• If unable to attend, please call the number above as soon as possible to change your appointment.
• Samples brought in without an appointment will not be tested.

Prior to Your Appointment

• Do not have intercourse, ejaculations, or orgasms for 48 hours prior to your test.
• Do not abstain for more than 7 days prior to your test. Abstain for 2-7 days.
• Bring this patient information leaflet, your request form, pots, and bags to your appointment.

There is a suitable room at Fertility Fusion which you can use to produce your samples.

The Day of Your Appointment

• Drink plenty of water prior to your appointment to try and neutralise your urine.
• Empty your bladder approximately an hour before attending the unit for your appointment.

Where to Go

The Fertility Centre at Wrightington Hospital (Fertility Fusion), Hall Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9EP. The Fertility centre is a stand-alone building and is signposted throughout the hospital grounds.

Collection of the Sample

1. You will be shown into a lockable room with your pots and bags.
2. Ensure both pots are labelled with your name, date of birth, and hospital or NHS number. One is for semen, the other larger one is for urine.
3. First wash your hands and genitals with soap and water, rinse and then dry thoroughly.
4. Have your first pot open and ready to collect any semen into it.
5. Masturbate to orgasm; if you produce any semen, collect it into the open pot, and make a note of the time.
6. As soon as you are ready, produce a urine sample into the other pot.
7. Put both samples into their own sealable bag. Put the samples, request form, and completed slip into the dignity bag and give to the Andrologist.

How Do I Get My Results?

Results are normally sent to the clinician who requested your test within a week. The Andrologist will inform you how you can obtain your results.

Information Slip

Please complete this slip. This information is very important. Make sure you hand it in at the Unit along with your sample and request form.

• Name: .......................................................................................
• Date of birth: ...........................................................................
• Date of sample collection: .......................................................
• Time of sample collection: .......................................................
• Number of days of abstinence from intercourse, ejaculations, or orgasm: .......
• If you produced any semen, did it all go in the pot? ..................
• Please give details of any medical conditions, recent illness, and medication: