# DAYS ABSTINENCE

Ideally, abstinence before semen collection for any test or procedure should be 2-3 days.  This may not always be possible, and in these cases there is no need to panic because there is a fair amount of leeway.  More than 3 days abstinence can cause a buildup of dead sperm in the specimen, reducing the percentage of sperm that are motile.  Less than 2 days abstinence can lead to a specimen with a low number of sperm.  Neither of these situations is ideal.  In addition, some insurance companies require 2-3 days abstinence in order for the results to be used for justifying coverage of certain procedures.

USE OF LUBRICANTS

Many lubricants are toxic to sperm.  Use ONLY lubricants proved by the lab, which are tested to be non-toxic to sperm.

USE OF CONDOMS FOR COLLECTION

Most condoms are toxic to sperm.  Use ONLY condoms provided by the lab, which are tested to be non-toxic to sperm.

IMPORTANCE OF WASHING WELL BEFORE COLLECTION

It is very important to wash well before collecting the semen sample.  Failure to wash well may result in a sample contaminated with bacteria.  If you are having an IVF or ICSI procedure performed, a contaminated semen sample may result in contaminated embryos  which cannot be transferred.

TEMPERATURE OF SPERM WHILE TRANSPORTING TO LAB

Keep the semen sample at Room or Body Temperature while transporting in to the lab.  During the winter be sure to keep the sample inside your coat.

TIME BETWEEN COLLECTION AND DELIVERY TO THE LAB

It is best to deliver semen samples to the lab within 30 minutes of collection.   If sperm is left in the seminal plasma too long it may begin to lose the ability to move and to fertilize eggs.  Once the sample is delivered to the lab, the sperm is removed from the seminal plasma and placed in medium that supports these sperm functions.  Private collection rooms are available near the lab for collecting semen samples.