🩺 Health · Conception
🧪 Semen analysis & sperm quality: the complete lowdown
Follow the collecting laboratory’s written instructions exactly.
What you need to prep & keep in mind
- Your medical referral or lab order (from your GP, urologist, or fertility specialist).
- Follow the abstinence interval in the collecting laboratory’s written instructions.
- Photo ID and any relevant health insurance documents.
How does the test actually go down?
1. Before collection
Confirm abstinence interval, washing method, collection location and delivery time with the lab. Use its supplied container; do not use antiseptics, lubricants or ordinary condoms unless specifically permitted.
2. Report problems
Tell the lab if any sample was lost or instructions were not followed. One result does not independently establish fertility or infertility.
A local detail, or your own experience with this guide? Write to the team
Same topic
When in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife. For a life-threatening emergency, call 111.
