Semen Analysis

Semen Analysis 

Patient Information

Fertility Fusion

Semen production requirements for semen analysis as part of investigations of infertility and also following vasectomy

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 Fertility Fusion on 01257 256251. There is a call back system in operation; please use it and we will return your call at the earliest opportunity. Semen testing is performed at Wrightington Hospital. Morning and afternoon appointments are available. If for any reason you are unable to attend for your appointment, please call the number above 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?

Fertility Centre (Fertility Fusion)

Wrightington Hospital

Hall Lane

Wrightington

Wigan

WN6 9EP

The Fertility Centre is a stand-alone building; it is sign posted within the hospital grounds.

Can my partner take my sample in for me? 

Only if you have completed the specimen collection slip on page 3.

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 number above to organise another appointment.

How do I get my results? 

Fertility results are normally sent out to your GP or the clinician who requested your test within one week. You may need to repeat your test. If this is necessary, ring the number above for another appointment. Normally this second test will take place six weeks after your first test.

For post vasectomy testing please see additional information on page 4

Collection of the sample

• Do not have intercourse or ejaculations less than 48 hours prior to your test.
• You should not abstain from intercourse or ejaculations for more than 7 days.
• In other words, abstinence needs to be between 2 and 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 semen analysis container provided for you.
• After producing your sample, screw the lid back onto the pot securely. 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 Hospital or NHS number or address. 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 i.e. a paper (dignity) bag, to keep them together when you transport them to the Unit.

Delivery of the sample

The sample should arrive at the Andrology laboratory, Fertility Fusion at Wrightington Hospital, within 50 minutes 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. 

Please announce yourself to the receptionist, she will ask you to take a seat while you wait to be seen by the Andrologist. The Andrologist will take you to a private area of the unit, where you can hand over your sample, and your completed paperwork will be checked; it should only take a few minutes. Do not try and give your sample to the receptionist.

Producing a sample at the Unit

If you wish to produce your sample on site, there are two suitable specimen production rooms available for your convenience. Please advise the member of staff when you make your appointment, that you wish to use this facility. Please note that the unit does not provide any visual, stimulatory material, you must bring your own with you. There is no internet access. 

Please complete this slip. This information is very important. Make sure you hand it in to the Andrologist along with your sample and request form. We will not be storing your sperm sample; it is for analysis only.

Additional Information for Post Vasectomy Testing

• To ascertain that your operation has been successful you are required to submit at least 1 semen sample for testing.
• It is important that you read this leaflet carefully, it provides you with all the information you need to arrange your appointment for semen testing; it also tells you where to take it and how to collect it.
• Testing is by appointment only. 
• Your semen sample should be submitted at least 20 weeks after your operation and after you have had at least 24 ejaculations since your operation. Patients over the age of 45 may well require significantly more ejaculations to establish clearance. 
• You must use the semen analysis pot provided to collect your sample.
• If your first test shows that sperm are still present, you will be required to do a further test, approximately 3 weeks later. You will be notified if this is the case.
• It is important that you submit the information above along with your sample and request form. 
• Your results will be sent to you in writing approximately 4 weeks after you have submitted your sample.