Semen Analysis

When couples are having trouble conceiving, their Rosemark infertility doctor may order a semen analysis to determine if the male partner is infertile. Infertility in the male could be a matter of a low sperm count or sperm dysfunction.

There are three major factors that are involved in analyzing the health and viability of a man’s sperm: the sperm motility, the shape of the sperm and the number of sperm.

It is very important to follow the instructions of the infertility doctor to insure a good sample. These instructions include:

• Avoiding ejaculation for 24 to 72 hours before the test.
• Avoiding any hormone medications which can include herbal medications (discuss any medications that you are taking with the physician).
• Avoiding caffeine, drugs such as marijuana and cocaine five days before the test.

The male partner will need to provide a semen sample for evaluation which may be collected by masturbation, sex with a condom or sex with withdrawal before ejaculation. Masturbation is considered the best way to get a clean sample.

It is important to keep the sample at body temperature by placing it under your armpit or other warm place on your body and deliver it to your infertility doctor at Rosemark within 30 minutes of leaving the body.

Factors that may negatively affect the test include: semen not kept warm, contamination of the sample, lab error, taking the test when you’re ill or stressed, or semen coming into contact with spermicide.