Patient Information

Post-vasectomy semen analysis

Vasectomy can be regarded as one of the safest and most effective forms of birth control, however it is important that post operative instructions are followed very carefully. Evidence has shown that immediately following vasectomy, virtually all ejaculates will contain potentially fertile sperm. It is therefore essential that contraception should be continued until your consultant advises otherwise. The British Andrology Society (BAS) recommends that initial assessment of an ejaculate should take place 16 weeks post vasectomy and after at production of at least 24 ejaculates. Clearance should be given by your consultant after the production of two consecutive, sperm free ejaculates. These samples should be two to four weeks apart.

Hancock et al (2002).

Patient instructions

Collection of the sample

  • You should have been given two completed request/referral cards, sterile specimen pots and bags by your consultant. Please ensure all your details are completed on both the card and specimen pot.
  • It is recommended that you should have at least 48 hours abstinence (sexual activity), but no more that 7 days.
  • The sample should be obtained by masturbation and ejaculated into the specimen pot. Do not use a condom or lubricant. The complete sample is required. Ensure the pot is properly closed to avoid leakage.
  • The sample should be delivered between 8:30am and 2.00pm on Monday, Wednesday or Friday (excluding bank holidays)
  • Andrology staff reserve the right not to accept samples with incomplete request cards. It is essential that correct identification of the patient and GP can be made for confidentiality reasons.

Test Results

  • The results of each analysis will be sent to your consultant within 5 working days of the analysis.
  • Results must be provided by your GP/Consultant and will not be given out by the Andrology Unit.

Repeat tests

  • If your two semen samples are not completely free of sperm your consultant should advise you to bring further samples for analysis. You should use contraception until your consultant advises otherwise.
  • In some cases there may have been a problem with one of the initial samples and you may require a repeat analysis (details not on your pot/card, sample leaked etc).
  • If you consistently produce samples with sperm present your consultant may advise you to bring your next sample directly to the Unit within one hour of production. This allows us to search for the presence of motile sperm. Please refer to the instructions for patients requiring a semen analysis.