Post Vasectomy and Semen Analysis v7

Post Vasectomy and Semen Analysis

Patient Information

Richmond Urology Unit, Leigh Infirmary

• Author ID:           BT
• Leaflet Ref:         Urol 020
• Version:              7
• Leaflet title:         Post Vasectomy and Semen Analysis
• Last review:        January 2023
• Expiry Date:        January 2025

Post Vasectomy Information:

• You must have someone to drive you home.
• You are advised to go straight home and not take any alcohol on the night of your procedure. Have some pain-killing tablets available at home e.g. Paracetamol, and/or Ibuprofen in case you experience some discomfort.
• The area around the operation should be kept as dry as possible for 2 days, then you may bath and shower as normal.
• After the operation you will find it more comfortable to wear a jock strap or supportive underwear.
• The stitches in the skin are soluble and will dissolve in 10 – 14 days.
• If you have any problems please telephone the Urology Nurse Specialists between 9am and 5pm Monday - Friday Tel 01942 264491.  For any queries outside these times, please contact your out of hours GP.
• If your job entails heavy lifting you are advised to take at least one day off work. 
• You should discontinue any strenuous sport or exercise for at least one week.
• Millions of sperm are still present and capable of being discharged during intercourse for many weeks after the operation.
• It is important to continue having intercourse after the operation to wash these away. Contraceptive precautions must be used otherwise your partner may still become pregnant.
• You are required to produce a semen sample (the fluid produced during male orgasm) 20 weeks after vasectomy. Your test appointment can be arranged with reception before you leave the clinic; alternatively you can telephone the number below to arrange your test.  You should have at least 24 ejaculations before doing your test, this will help to flush away any residual sperm. Further testing may be required 6 weeks after your test, if your sample shows any sperm.
• The specimen must be passed into the container provided.

Semen Analysis

Please read all this information carefully prior to your test.

How to request an appointment

Semen tests are strictly by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling the Andrology Department on 01942 264226 or 264018 between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Semen testing is performed at Wrightington Hospital. Morning, afternoon and evening appointments are available. If for any reason you are unable to attend for your appointment, please call the department as soon as possible to change your appointment. Any samples which are brought in without an appointment will not be tested. 

Where do I take my sample?

Samples should be brought to the Andrology Laboratory (sperm testing) at The Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh, Hewitt Fertility Partnership (WWLHFP) at Wrightington Hospital, Hall Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan WN6 9EP. The fertility centre is a stand-alone building and is signposted throughout the hospital grounds.

Can my partner take my sample in for me? 

Only if you have completed the specimen collections slip on page 4.

Is there anything that may affect my results?

Failure to follow the instruction guidelines may seriously affect your results. If you have not followed instructions exactly then call the receptionist to organise another appointment.

How do I get my results? 

You will receive your results after you have submitted your sample for testing. Results are sent through the post. 

Collection of the sample

• Do not have intercourse or ejaculations 48 hours prior to your test.
• You should not abstain from intercourse or ejaculations for more than 7 days.
• First wash your hands and genitals with soap and water, rinse and then dry thoroughly.
• Collect the sample by masturbation directly into the container; do not use a condom to collect your sample into, as this will kill sperm.
• Collect the entire ejaculate.

The container and the request form

• Use the sterile container provided, other containers may be toxic to sperm
• After producing your sample, screw the lid back onto the pot securely (a cross threaded lid is the commonest cause of a leaked sample). Samples which have leaked will not be tested
• Make sure you fill in your details on your pot. Details should include name, date of birth and NHS number. Unlabelled pots will not be processed 
• Put your sample container into a sealed plastic bag (do not put any paperwork in this bag). It is very important that you fill in the slip at the bottom of this page, this information is essential
• You may wish to place your sample, request form and completed slip into another bag to keep them together when you transport them to the Unit

Delivery of the sample

The sample should arrive on the Unit within one hour of production. Please keep your sample warm by carrying it in an inside pocket, especially if the weather is cold. Overheating or chilling the sample may cause sperm to die. 

Producing a sample at the Unit

If you wish to produce your sample on site, there is a suitable specimen production room available for your convenience. Please advise the receptionist when you make your appointment that you wish to use this facility.

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