1. RMANY
  2. Our Services
  3. Semen Analysis
  4. Collection Instructions

Semen Analysis Collection Instructions

Please follow the important steps below to ensure a successful collection process.

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Semen Analysis Collection Instructions

    • Please arrive at your scheduled appointment time. Patients that arrive after their scheduled appointment time may need to be rescheduled.
    • Male partners must deliver fresh semen specimens in person for all inseminations, IVF procedures, and sperm freezes.
    • If you live less than 2 hours away from your appointment location, please collect your specimen at home and bring it to the office at the time of your scheduled appointment. Please obtain a sterile container from one of our office locations in advance of your appointment. Glass jars and plastic storage containers of any kind are unacceptable for specimen collection.
    • When collecting at home, collect the specimen no more than 2 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time. When transporting your specimen, make sure the collection container lid is securely fastened and transport the container in an upright manner. The specimen container should be kept at body temperature and shielded from extreme hot or cold temperatures.
    • Individuals living greater than 2 hours away from their appointment location should plan to collect their specimen on-site in a private collection room. Please note, not every office has a collection room on-site. When scheduling your appointment, please indicate that you plan to collect on-site, as collection room availability is limited. You will be responsible to bring your own device for any media utilized during this visit.
    • There should be 3 to 5 days of abstinence prior to ejaculation before collection.
    • Fresh semen specimens are to be collected via masturbation only, not via withdrawal during intercourse or oral stimulation. If the specimen can only be collected via intercourse, a special non-lubricated collection condom must be used. Collection condoms can be purchased at the front desk. Please follow instructions regarding pipetting the specimen from the condom to the specimen cup prior to your appointment.
    • Do not use lotions, liquids, or lubricants during collection as they may interfere with sperm motility. The only lubricant allowed for use is Robert’s Mineral Oil to prevent contamination of the sample.

    • If specimens are collected at home, please obtain a sterile, dry polypropylene container with a lid prior to the semen analysis (a sterile urine specimen container is also acceptable). Please obtain a sterile container from one of our office locations in advance of your appointment. Glass jars and plastic storage containers of any kind are unacceptable for specimen collection.

    • When collecting at home, collect the specimen no more than 2 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time. Please obtain a sterile container from one of our office locations in advance of your appointment. When transporting your specimen, make sure the collection container lid is securely fastened and transport the container in an upright manner. The specimen container should be shielded from extreme hot or cold temperatures.

    • A photo ID must be shown when the sample is given to Andrology staff.