Subfertility semen analysis: information for patients who are having fertility tests

• Andrology Department, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford
  Telephone:  01233 616145 or 01233 616821

Why have I been asked to produce a sample?

You have been asked to produce a semen sample as part of your fertility investigations.

Semen analysis is requested when a couple are having trouble becoming pregnant. This is a common problem with around 1 in 7 couples experiencing fertility issues.

What might affect my results?

• The abstinence period is the time since you last ejaculated, either during sex or masturbation. We ask you not to ejaculate for between 2 and 7 days before your appointment. If you fail to do this, it can affect the number of sperm in your sample and their ability to swim (motility). We might not accept your sample.

• An incomplete sample. We ask you to confirm on your Declaration form that you have collected the complete sample. This means that all of the semen you produce when you ejaculated was collected in the sample pot. This is important as this may affect how many sperm we count in your sample. You may be asked to repeat the test if you do not collect the whole ejaculate.

• Using lubricants. The chemicals in lubricants, such as baby oil or Knect, can be harmful to sperm. Using lubricants can result in reduced motility and fewer live sperm. If you think you are unable to produce a sample without using lubricant, please let us know.

• A delay in the sample reaching the laboratory. We ask that you produce your sample within 1 hour of your appointment time. Delays of over an hour between sample production and analysis can have a detrimental affect on the sample. If you think you cannot get to the laboratory within an hour, let us know when you book your appointment. We will talk you through your options.

Staff are available for you to talk to if you have any questions or concerns. Please contact us on 01233 616145 or 01233 616821.

This is not my first appointment. Why do I have to repeat the test?

We often ask patients for a repeat sample. This is not always a cause for concern.

Your referring doctor should talk you through your previous results. They will explain why you need to repeat the test. We strongly recommend that if this has not happened, you make an appointment with your doctor and ask them to explain the results and the reason for repeating the test.

What are the laboratory opening times?

Our laboratory is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm. We book appointments between these times. 

Please do not attend outside of your appointment time. We do not accept walk-ins. 

Please call us on 012333 616145 or 01233 616821, if you:

• are unable to attend your appointment; or

• need to change your appointment.

What do you think of this leaflet?

We welcome feedback, whether positive or negative, as it helps us to improve our care and services.

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• Patient Voice Team
  Telephone: 01227 868605
  Email