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In order to be able to cease using contraception after a vasectomy, you will usually be asked to provide semen samples for analysis. An initial sample should be provided at a minimum of 12 weeks after your vasectomy operation.
During this time, you should have had at least 24 ejaculations. Your clinician will provide you with more specific information at the time of your operation.
There are no facilities on site for production of a semen sample, the sample must be produced at home and delivered directly to the department within 90 minutes of production. Under the Sexual Offences Act of 2003, it is an offence to produce your sample on hospital grounds or within a public lavatory.
Requesting your sample pack
You must provide a signed request form from your clinician; failure to provide this will result in your sample being rejected for analysis.
To obtain a patient pack containing a toxicity tested container, laboratory form and specimen bag, please contact the Histopathology Department on 01302 642860. Your pack will be posted directly to your home.
When your patient pack has arrived, contact the department on 01302 642860 to make an appointment for the semen analysis. Semen analysis is performed on an appointment only basis.
Labelling your sample
Label the container with details of the male that has produced the sample. A minimum of three of the following identifiers are needed:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- NHS/ hospital number
Guidance on producing your sample
Use only the pot provided, do not clean or wash the pot prior to use.
You must provide a complete sample. Only a single ejaculate should be provided for examination. Incomplete or leaking samples will not be examined as they may result in inaccurate results and/ or inappropriate treatment pathways.
You must produce the sample by hand masturbation. Samples produced by interrupted intercourse or by using a condom are not suitable for analysis.
Please refrain from sexual intercourse or masturbation for at least 48 hours prior to producing your sample. However, wait no longer than seven days before producing your sample.
Delivering your sample
You must deliver the sample directly to the Histopathology Specimen Reception at DRI within 90 minutes of production. Samples delivered to other facilities will not meet the required acceptance criteria and will not be analysed.
It is advisable to keep the sample as close to body temperature as possible by placing the container close to the skin or in a pocket. Samples should not be subjected to extreme temperatures as this may affect the sample.
Within your patient pack is a laboratory form; prior to your appointment you should fill out all of the highlighted fields. This additional information about your sample is essential for the semen analysis. Samples received without all of this information will not be analysed.
Parking: parking enforcement is operational across all sites, failure to adhere to Trust car parking terms and conditions will result in a Parking Charge Notification (PCN) issue.
Results
Results will take up to 14 days to become available. Your clinician will advise you how and when to obtain your results.
If you have any queries with these requirements or wish to speak to a member of staff regarding production of a semen sample for fertility investigations please contact the Histopathology Department on 01302 642860.
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