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Post
Vasectomy and Infertility/Andrology Laboratory Testing.
Some patient questions answered
A doctor may request the Pathology
Department to examine a patient semen specimen as part of infertility/andrology
investigations or to confirm the success of a vasectomy operation.
Below are some of the most common questions which patients may ask about
these procedures.
What is semen?
The semen is the liquid that is release from
the penis during intercourse. The sperm cells within that liquid are
called spermatazoa and, if fused with a female egg, may result in
fertilization and pregnancy.
A healthy sperm cell will have a shape similar to a tadpole; the sperm's
oval head contains the genetic material, the center provides energy and
the tail propels the sperm forward.
Sperm motility is a term that describes sperm's ability to move in an
active fashion. Motility enables the sperm cells to travel through the
cervical canal, into the uterus and the fallopian tubes and, finally, to
penetrate the egg. |
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What is a Vasectomy ?
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A vasectomy operation seals the tubes
that carry the sperm from the testes to the penis.
When we look at semen after
a vasectomy operation, no sperm should be present.
After a vasectomy it is
important to know that the operation has been successful and that no
sperm are being produced
It may take time for any
sperm that are trapped in the tubes to be flushed out.
It is recommended that 26
ejaculations occur before a semen sample is checked.
You will be given 2 pots and
2 forms and it is requested that you bring a semen sample to the
laboratory 13 weeks after your operation and a second sample 17 weeks
after your operation. The surgeon will pass your details to the
laboratory. |
Where do I produce the
sample ?
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You are asked to produce the sample at home and
bring it into the Pathology department within one hour of production.
The sample should be kept away from extremes of
temperature.
Carrying the pot in its envelope, in an inside pocket of
your jacket will keep it in a good condition.
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How do I produce the sample ?
Infertility /
Andrology assessment testing : Do not have sexual
intercourse for 2-3 days before producing the sample.
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Wash your hands and genital
areas, then rinse and dry thoroughly before producing the semen
sample. This is to remove any bacteria, which may be present.
Masturbate and collect the total
sample in the pot. It is important that the total sample is
collected.
If by accident not all the sample is collected then please state
this on the form.
The first part or the ejaculate
contains the most concentrated number of sperm cells so it is important
to know if this portion is missed. |
Why is it important
to answer the questions on the sheet ? (
Infertility/Andrology investigation only )
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On the sheet are a number of questions, which will
help to interpret the results.
For example, as previously indicated, it is
important to know that the complete sample has been collected, how old the
sample is and the period of abstinence. All these factors effect the
sperm analyses.
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When should I bring
my sample to the Laboratory ?
You should bring
your sample into the laboratory between 8.00 am and 10.30 am.
You will be asked to sign a slip to confirm that the sample is
your own. |
Why do I
have to bring the sample in personally ?
You must label the
pot with your full name and bring the sample into the laboratory
yourself.
This is very important because there must be no
doubt that
the sample is your own.
If these conditions are not met
then the laboratory will not examine your sample. |
What if I can’t make the
sample production appointment I have been given ?
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If when you get your appointment
to produce a sample, you realize you
will not be able to keep it due to work or holiday commitments then
please telephone the laboratory on 0121 378 2211 ext. 2215 as soon as
possible so that another time can be given to you.
About 20% of appointments are not kept and this
makes our waiting list very long.
Help us improve our service.
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What happens
to the sample?
Infertility /
Andrology assessment testing
When the laboratory
receives a sample of semen it will be centrifuged to concentrate any
cells that are in the semen. A sample of the concentrate is then
looked at under the microscope and any sperm cells present are
examined for their morphology (size and shape), motility
characteristics (movement) and the number of sperm cells
present.
Post Vasectomy
testing
When the laboratory receives a sample of semen it will be
centrifuged to concentrate any cells that are in the semen and then
examined under a microscope to see if any sperm are present.
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