Semen Analysis Instructions

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LEICESTER FERTILITY CENTRE
KENSINGTON BUILDING
LEICESTER ROYAL INFIRMARY
0116 258 5922

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE COLLECTION OF SEMEN SAMPLES

Please note the Leicester Fertility Centre does not have facilities
for the production of semen samples for analysis

• The container must be fully labelled with all known details, and then placed into the sealable bag (if provided). You must have a request form from your G.P/Consultant to accompany your sample. If you do not have a form you must obtain one from your G.P/Consultant. prior to bringing in your sample as we can not analyse it without one.

• Please bring the sample to the reception desk of the Leicester Fertility Centre, Kensington Building between 9am & 12pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). Please note that if you are having a detailed 2 day ‘swim up’ analysis the sample can only be brought in 9am-12pm Monday to Thursday. Forms for this detailed analysis will have been given to you by your doctor in the Gynaecology Clinic.

• Please wash your hands and penis thoroughly before producing the sample. Please do not use any lubricants as these are toxic to sperm

• We recommend that for optimum results you abstain from intercourse / ejaculation for more than 1 full day but less than 7 days. The ideal period of abstinence is 2-3 days.

• The sample should be collected by masturbation directly into the sterile container provided and should be complete i.e. the entire sample must be collected into the container.

• Withdrawal at intercourse should not be used to produce a sample, as the first part of the ejaculate that contains the majority of the sperm may be lost. If you are unable to produce a sample by masturbation we can provide special silastic condoms into which you can collect your sample. These are available at our reception at a cost.

• Do not transfer a sample that has been collected in a normal condom, as the spermicide in the condom will kill many of the sperm. 

• The sample should arrive at the Centre within 1 - 1½ hours of production of the sample. The sample should not be heated or cooled but kept roughly at body temperature e.g. in a pocket. 

• Please tell one of the reception staff when handing in the sample at the Centre.

• Payment for the detailed 2 day ‘swim up’ analysis is only required for patients receiving private treatment. The payment for this is ₤120 and can be made by cash, cheque or card.

• Vasectomy samples should be sent to the LRI Microbiology department in Sandringham Building Monday or Tuesday only.

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