Semen Analysis

Preparing for a semen analysis

Semen analysis at Fertility Centers of Illinois ia available by appointment only Monday through Friday.

It is recommended that you refrain from sexual activity for 3-5 days before producing the specimen for your appointment.

We encourage you to produce your specimen at home, using a kit that can be provided to you at any Fertility Centers of Illinois office. The kit contains a specimen container, label requisition form, and instructions. If you prefer to produce the specimen in our office, we provide private rooms for this purpose.

Semen collection protocol

• Specimens should be produced no more than two hours prior to your scheduled appointment time
• Specimens should be provided by masturbation only, into the specimen cup provided
• Hands should be washed and dried thoroughly prior to producing a specimen
• Do not use lubricants, creams, or lotions, as they are toxic to sperm
• After the specimen has been produced, close the lid tightly
• Complete the requisition form and label and affix the completed label to the specimen container
• Keep the specimen container close to the body during transportation to maintain proper temperature
• Submit the labeled specimen container to the laboratory technician at your scheduled appointment time, along with the completed and signed requisition form and picture I.D.
• A specimen can be accepted from the male who produced it or from his partner. If the male who produced the specimen is not personally submitting it to the lab, he must provide his partner with a copy of his photo I.D. and the completed and signed requisition form.