Subfertility semen analysis

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

  My 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

Please make sure 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 can talk you through your options.

What should I do before I produce my sample?

You must abstain (do 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 the declaration before coming to your appointment. The form must be completed by you, the patient.

We will not be able to see you if you arrive without a Cellular Pathology request form from your doctor.

My sample pot

Also included in this instruction pack is your sample pot. This pot has been weighed and tested to make sure it will not have any effect on your sample. Please do not use any other pot to collect your sample. If you do, this may affect your results and you may have to repeat the test.

You must label your sample pot yourself. Write the following details onto the pot label:

• your full name

• your date of birth

• your home post code

• the date and time you produced your sample.

How do I produce my sample?

• Check the sample pot, and make sure it is not cracked. If it is cracked, phone us for a replacement on 01233 616145 or 01233 616821.

• Wash your hands and genitals, making sure you rinse thoroughly.

• Produce your sample by masturbating directly into the sample pot.

• Make sure the whole sample you produce is collected in the pot.

• Make sure the lid is securely tightened.

If your sample appears to have leaked, we will not be able to process it. You will have to rebook and repeat the test. 

Is there anything I should not do?

Please do not use any lubricants. Lubricants and saliva can kill sperm. If they are detected in your sample, we will not be able to process it. You will have to rebook and repeat the test.

Please produce your sample at home. Do not produce your sample on hospital grounds. This is illegal, as the hospital is a public space. If we suspect the sample has been produced in the hospital (for example in the toilets) we will not process your sample. You will have to rebook and repeat the test.

Please do not forget to bring your Cellular Pathology request form from your doctor. If you do not bring this form we will not be able to process your sample. You will have to rebook and repeat the test.

Where do I take my sample?

Your appointment is at Pathology reception at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. This is on the ground floor.

Go to the main entrance and follow the corridor in front of you to All Wards. At the end turn right towards the stairs and lifts. Go down the stairs, and turn right and follow the corridor. Pathology is on that main corridor on the right.

What do I do when I get there?

At Pathology reception tell the receptionist that you have an appointment with Andrology. A member of the Andrology team will meet you, and check your paperwork and sample pot. They will take your sample directly to the laboratory for analysis. If you have any questions, staff are available to speak to you.

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 process your sample. 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.

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. 

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