Follow our semen collection instructions for an accurate analysis

Patients may collect semen analysis specimens at our New Braunfels fertility clinic or at home. For patients collecting the sample at home, please follow these semen collection instructions from our New Braunfels fertility specialists for accurate results.

Semen collection instructions, step by step

• Abstain from ejaculating for three to five days before providing the specimen. This will produce the optimum number of healthy sperm in the specimen.
• Use the provided container. Specimens must be collected in the plastic container provided by Texas Fertility Center New Braunfels, the Ovation^® laboratory, or your referring physician. Semen in any other container cannot be analyzed.
• Label your specimen. Provide complete and accurate information on the label, as it is the only way to ensure the lab results are recorded in your medical chart.
• Thoroughly wash your hands and penis before masturbation. Rinse away all soap residue and dry your hands.
• Only use masturbation to provide the specimen. Other methods involve fluids such as saliva and can introduce bacteria into the semen. Bacteria in the semen can cause sperm to die or create false results indicating infection.
• Do not use lubricant to provide the specimen. Lubricants can be toxic to sperm and interfere with the analysis. The only exception is those patients who receive a lubricant from Ovation or TFC.
• Ejaculate directly into the provided container. Close the lid tightly, and inform the lab if any of the specimen was lost or spilled.
• Keep the sample at room temperature. It must remain at room temperature from when the sample is collected until it is delivered to the lab. Too high or too low temperatures can negatively affect the longevity of the sperm and affect semen analysis results.
• Deliver the sample within one hour of collection. For accurate semen analysis, the specimen must be at the lab no more than an hour after collection.

Please carefully follow all of these semen collection instructions, so that our laboratory can ensure that your test results are accurate.

Receiving your semen analysis results

Your results will go directly to New Braunfels fertility specialist Dr. Susan Hudson, who will evaluate the findings. Those findings and any other test results will be used to develop a personalized fertility plan for you. You will meet with your fertility specialist to discuss the results, your treatment options and next steps.

Reach out if you have questions about our semen collection instructions

Semen analysis is an essential step in your fertility journey, and you must follow these instructions to get accurate results. If you have questions about these semen collection instructions, contact our New Braunfels fertility specialists.