Semen analysis Information | Mount Sinai – New York

You will need to provide a semen sample. Your health care provider will explain how to collect a sample.

Methods for collecting a sperm sample include:

• Masturbating into a sterile jar or cup
• Using a special condom during intercourse given to you by your provider

You should get the sample to the lab within 30 minutes. If the sample is collected at home, keep it in the inside pocket of your coat so that it will stay at body temperature while you are transporting it.

A laboratory specialist must look at the sample within 2 hours of the collection. The earlier the sample is analyzed, the more reliable the results. The following things will be evaluated:

• How the semen thickens into a solid and turns to liquid
• Fluid thickness, acidity, and sugar content
• Resistance to flow (viscosity)
• Movement of the sperm (motility)
• Number and structure of the sperm
• Volume of semen