Post-vasectomy semen analysis

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You have been asked to produce a semen sample because you have had a vasectomy. Your sample will be examined microscopically to see if you are still producing potentially fertile sperm.

Arranging your appointment

Please contact the department on 0113 2067110 to arrange your appointment. Appointments are available 8:30 to 14:30 Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)
Please ensure you arrange your appointment to be at least 12 weeks after your vasectomy procedure. Examination of samples produced before this time period can produce unreliable results and you may be asked to produce a repeat sample.
Once your appointment has been arranged, remember to abstain from any sexual activity that results in ejaculation (intercourse or masturbation) for at least 2 days before your appointment, but no longer than 7 days.
Samples can be produced at home or at the hospital. Please indicate which you prefer when booking your appointment.

What to do if arranged to produce your sample at Seacroft Hospital

When you arrive in the department on the day of your appointment, please ring the bell at the entrance to the department and await further instructions from a member of staff.
At the time of your appointment, you will be taken to a private room where a member of staff will leave you to produce your sample.
Once in your private room please wash your hands and genitals.
Produce your sample by masturbation. Do not use a sheath/condom for collection, or use any lubricant while masturbating, as they are harmful to sperm.
Collect the entire sample directly into the container provided by us. NB: Incomplete samples will not be accepted.
A request form will have been provided. On this form complete your personal details ensuring the name of the requesting GP/consultant and their clinic details (surgery or hospital dept) are also stated. Also record the date, time of sample production, length of abstinence (time without sexual activity resulting in ejaculation) and completeness of sample in the appropriate section. Please ensure your name, date of birth, date and time you produced your sample, and the referring Doctor/clinic are also written on the pot.
After producing your sample, a member of staff will check your request form, take your sample from you and answer any questions you may have.
Your appointment on that day is then over and you may go home.

Please arrive for your appointment at the exact time at:

: Histopathology Department Andrology unit,
Seacroft Hospital,
Leeds,
LS14 6UH
(See attached map)

What to do if you arranged to produce your sample at home (and will deliver it to Seacroft Hospital, Leeds)

You will need to produce your sample in a pot that has been specially tested to be non-toxic to sperm. This will be posted to you after arranging your appointment.
Please wash your hands and genitals.
Produce your sample by masturbation. Collect the entire sample directly into the container provided by your Doctor. NB Incomplete samples will not be accepted. Do not use a sheath/condom for collection, or use any lubricant while masturbating, as they are harmful to sperm.
On the provided request form complete your personal details ensuring the name of the referring Doctor and their surgery/vasectomy clinic details are also stated. Also record the date, time of sample production, length of abstinence (time without sexual activity resulting in ejaculation) and completeness of sample in the appropriate section.
Write your full name, date of birth, date and time you produced your sample and the referring Doctor/clinic on the container.
If this is the first sample that you have produced after your vasectomy, then deliver it within 2 hours of production
If this is not your first sample, you must ensure you deliver your sample to the department within 30 minutes of production. We ask you to do this because sperm will have been seen in your first/previous samples and we need to make sure the sperm are not alive. We can only do this if we look at your sample soon after you have produced it.
Please keep your sample as close to body temperature as possible during transportation – tucked into the waistband of your trousers is ideal.
Please attend your appointment on your own. We will only allow you into the department.
When you arrive at the department on the day of your appointment please ring the bell at the entrance and await further instruction from a member of staff. This will include a request for you to clean your hands with a provided sanitiser and you will be given a face mask to wear if you are not already wearing one.
The member of staff will take you to a reception area where he or she will check your request form, take your sample from you and answer any questions you may have.

Please arrive for your appointment at the exact time at:

: Histopathology Department Andrology unit,
Seacroft Hospital,
Leeds,
LS14 6UH
(See attached map)

Results and further information

Your results will be sent to your referring Doctor within 10 working days from your appointment.
If you are requested by your doctor to provide a second sample, call 0113 206 7110 to arrange another appointment. Your second appointment must be at least 14 days after your first appointment.
If you have any concerns regarding your sample or results, please contact your referring doctor.