Subfertility semen analysis: on-site production instructions
Instructions for patients who are undergoing fertility testing and have booked an appointment to produce a semen sample on-site at the Spencer Wing (William Harvey Hospital)
Andrology Department, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford
Telephone: 01233 616145 or 01233 616821My appointment is booked for: ___________________________________
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 do you look for in my sample?
The results of your test will give us information about:
Motility - if the sperm are moving and, if so, how quickly.
Concentration - how many sperm are present per mL, and how many there are in the whole sample.
Morphology - the shape and size of individual sperm.
This information will be passed back to your doctor. They will interpret your results, and guide you in any next steps you might need to take.
Before your appointment
You must abstain (not have sex or masturbate) for between 2 and 7 days before your appointment. If you fail to do this, we might not accept your sample.
Check that you have all your relevant paperwork. This includes your Cellular Pathology request form from your doctor, and a declaration signed by you. The declaration is included in this instruction pack. Please complete as much of the declaration as you can before your appointment. There will be questions that you will not be able to answer until after you have produced your sample. The form must be completed by you, the patient.
A sample pot will be given to you at your appointment.
We will not be able to see you if you arrive without a Cellular Pathology request form from your doctor.
What if I’m late for my appointment?
If you think you will be late, please ring us, we will do what we can to help. If you arrive more than 20 minutes late for your appointment and have not contacted us, we will not be able to see you. You will have to rebook and repeat the test.
If you cannot attend your appointment, please phone us on 01233 616145 or 01233 616821. This allows us to give your appointment to another patient.
Where do I go when I arrive at the hospital?
Please go to the Spencer Wing at the William Harvey Hospital (see map below). Please do not go to Pathology reception in the main hospital.
What do I do when I get there?
When you arrive at the reception area of the Spencer Wing, telephone our administration team on 01233 616145 or 01233 616821. Let them know you have arrived, and take a seat in the waiting area. A member of the Andrology team will meet you there.
There are toilets in the reception area, should you need to use them before your appointment.
Our andrologist will greet you and walk you to the production room. They will:
check your paperwork
give you a sample pot
explain the process; and
answer any questions you might have.
They will leave you in the production room to produce your sample. The door to the production room must be locked, so you have complete privacy. If you feel more comfortable, your partner can stay with you in the room.
You will be given a remote doorbell to alert our staff member once you have produced your sample.
What happens afterwards?
After you have pressed the doorbell, the andrologist will return to check:
you have completed the remaining parts of your declaration; and
to confirm a few details.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Once the andrologist has confirmed everything is acceptable, they will take you back to the Spencer Wing reception. You can now leave the hospital.
When will I get my results?
We will send out an electronic and a postal copy of your results to your requesting doctor within 7 to 10 days of your test. If you were referred by a hospital consultant, you will usually get your results at your next appointment.
Checklist: have you?
- Not had sex or masturbated (abstained) for at least 2 days but no more than 7 days?
- Got your Cellular Pathology request form from your doctor?
- Checked the map included in this instruction pack? Do you know where you are going?
- Filled in as much of your declaration as you can?
What do you think of this leaflet?
We welcome feedback, whether positive or negative, as it helps us to improve our care and services.
If you would like to give us feedback about this leaflet, please fill in our short online survey. Either scan the QR code below, or use the web link. We do not record your personal information, unless you provide contact details and would like to talk to us some more.
If you would rather talk to someone instead of filling in a survey, please call the Patient Voice Team.
Patient Voice Team
Telephone: 01227 868605
Email