SPERM CONCENTRATION

Semen collected by masturbation following a 3 day period of sexual abstinence. It should not exceed 5 days.

 Avoid alcohol or caffeine two to five days prior to collection.

 The specimen should be collected in a wide mouthed sterile glass or hard plastic container. A urine collection cup is acceptable.

 Condoms that contain lubricants and spermicides and are not sterile are unacceptable.

 T he specimen should be brought to the laboratory within 1 hour of collection and maintained at body temperature during transport (carry the sample in an inside pocket or by holding it against the body with undergarments). Avoidance of exposure to temperature extremes is mandatory (may exhibit increased viscosity and/or coagulation of the fluid, resulting in decrease in motility).

 Do not refrigerate specimen.

 Take the specimen directly to the front desk of the main laboratory at the hospital

Semen analysis is usually performed as part of a comprehensive infertility investigation. The male is the cause of infertility in approximately 40% of infertility cases. Evaluation of seminal fluid is relatively inexpensive and easy to perform when compared with other diagnostic procedures required for an infertility work up.