Semen Analysis
If you and your partner are having trouble falling pregnant, one of the first group of tests your doctor will request is a semen analysis.
A semen analysis is a test performed on sperm which is also known as a sperm count or a male fertility test. The results show how many sperm are released (sperm count), how well the sperm swim (motility) and the shape of the sperm (morphology).
While both men and women can have fertility complications, issues with male fertility can play a part in as many as half of all infertility cases.
Fertility accounts for 40% male factor, 40% female factor, and 20% both male and female.
Preparation & Guidelines for Semen Collection
- Abstain from all sexual activity (including masturbation) for a minimum of 3 days but not longer than 7 days before sample collection.
- A sterile container is needed for semen collection, which can be collected from HOPE Clinic, or your doctors’ rooms. An identification label must be placed on the container, indicating your full name, ID number and procedure.
- The sample should be collected by masturbation. The semen should be ejaculated directly into this container and the whole ejaculate must be collected.
- Close the lid tightly after collection to prevent leakage. Place the container in the bag provided and deliver the specimen to the laboratory or your doctor’s room.
- Do NOT use soaps, detergents, water, lubricants or condoms to help with specimen collection as these may affect the results.
- No intercourse should be involved during specimen collection.
- Semen must NOT be exposed to temperature fluctuations. It must be kept at body temperature until submitted to the lab. Ideally, keep the sample close to your body. Do NOT heat or refrigerate the sample.
- The sample must arrive at the laboratory within 1 hour of being produced.
Dr Wynand E. van Tonder
Specialist Obstetrician Gynaecologist
Sub-specialist Reproductive Medicine
MB ChB (Stell) | FCOG (SA) | MMed O&G (UFS) | MRep Med (Valencia Spain) | MGyn Endo Surg (AITAS) | Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgeon (GESEA)
Contact us
Tel: +27 11 463 4833
Emergency: +27 11 321 0111
reception@drwynandvantonder.co.za
reception2@drwynandvantonder.co.za
Find us
Semen Analysis
If you and your partner are having trouble falling pregnant, one of the first group of tests your doctor will request is a semen analysis.
A semen analysis is a test performed on sperm which is also known as a sperm count or a male fertility test. The results show how many sperm are released (sperm count), how well the sperm swim (motility) and the shape of the sperm (morphology).
While both men and women can have fertility complications, issues with male fertility can play a part in as many as half of all infertility cases.
Fertility accounts for 40% male factor, 40% female factor, and 20% both male and female.
Preparation & Guidelines for Semen Collection
- Abstain from all sexual activity (including masturbation) for a minimum of 3 days but not longer than 7 days before sample collection.
- A sterile container is needed for semen collection, which can be collected from HOPE Clinic, or your doctors’ rooms. An identification label must be placed on the container, indicating your full name, ID number and procedure.
- The sample should be collected by masturbation. The semen should be ejaculated directly into this container and the whole ejaculate must be collected.
- Close the lid tightly after collection to prevent leakage. Place the container in the bag provided and deliver the specimen to the laboratory or your doctor’s room.
- Do NOT use soaps, detergents, water, lubricants or condoms to help with specimen collection as these may affect the results.
- No intercourse should be involved during specimen collection.
- Semen must NOT be exposed to temperature fluctuations. It must be kept at body temperature until submitted to the lab. Ideally, keep the sample close to your body. Do NOT heat or refrigerate the sample.
- The sample must arrive at the laboratory within 1 hour of being produced.