Sperm Check Test Instructions: Everything You Need To Know
Sperm check test instructions are easy to follow and are essential for accurate results. It is only the accurate sperm test reports that provide vital information about your fertility status and help you understand your reproductive health.
When you have accurate information about your fertility status, it assists you in planning your conception accordingly. A fertility test or search semen analysis near me can also help in the early diagnosis of male infertility and other fertility issues [1].
This article is a complete guide on sperm check instructions to help you understand the complete process and make it easy for you to undergo your next sperm analysis test.
What is a Sperm Check Test?
A sperm check test or semen analysis is a very important test to evaluate male fertility status and diagnose any underlying fertility problems. This test measures various parameters of sperm health, which include the amount of semen, the number of sperm, and the shape of sperm or sperm morphology [2].
Preparing for the Sperm Test
Two important things to consider when preparing for the sperm test are abstinence and hygiene.
-
Abstinence
Studies show that frequent ejaculation or ejaculation delays can impact the overall results of sperm analysis [3]. Frequent ejaculations can result in a decrease in sperm count or semen volume as the body takes some time to replenish sperm.
Experts recommend that you must abstain from ejaculation for at least 2 to 5 days. This waiting period helps ensure that your sperm count is at its optimal level, which provides a more accurate assessment.
-
Hygiene
Maintain proper hygiene when performing sperm check tests as it ensures that your results are accurate. You need to wash your hands and genital area thoroughly before collecting the sample. This is because it helps to avoid contamination of the sample, which could otherwise affect the test results.
Collecting the Sperm Sample
To collect the sperm sample accurately, you need to follow the following instructions:
-
Use a Sterile Container
If you are performing a sperm water test at home, you must only use the sterile container provided in the sperm concentration test kit. In testing facilities or labs, they themselves provide you with a sterile container to collect the sample.
You can not use just any container to collect a semen sample, as it can introduce contaminants to the sample. A contaminated sample can interfere with the accuracy of the results.
-
Method of Collection
After taking care of hygiene and obtaining a sterile container, you will have to collect the sample through masturbation. When masturbating to collect your sperm sample, avoid using lubricants or any other substances, as these can interfere with the test results.
Don’t waste any portion of the ejaculation thinking that you have collected enough. You need to remember that the entire ejaculation must be collected as a sample for accurate results.
After Collecting the Sample
The instructions to follow post-sample collection include:
-
Label the Container
Label the container with your name, date, and time of collection immediately after collecting the sample. This information is vital for record keeping. Date and time also influence the analysis as the gap between sample collection and analysis may affect results.
-
Keep the Sample at Room Temperature
When you are performing a sperm test at home, you must immediately proceed with the test after the collection of the sperm sample. However, if you need to send it to the testing facility, make sure to keep it at room temperature and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures [4].
Do what’s in your best capacity to deliver the sample to the testing facility within 30 to 60 minutes of collection.
Testing the Sample
The testing facility will test the provided sample and provide you with the results within a few days. On the other hand, if you are testing the sample yourself at home, such as with the help of a sperm concentration kit, follow the instruction manual that comes with the test kit.
Generally, the steps involve mixing the semen with a provided solution and applying it to a test strip. Wait for the specified duration mentioned in the manual before reading the results.
Interpreting The Results: Normal vs. Abnormal
Compare the results with the ranges mentioned in the sperm test kit manual. If your results are in the normal range, it indicates that you are healthy for conception.
Results from testing facilities tell you detailed information about sperm count, motility, and morphology. You can also compare the lab results with the normal ranges to evaluate your sperm test results. For further understanding of the results and expert advice, you can consult your healthcare provider.
Final Thoughts on Sperm Check Test Instructions
Undergoing a sperm test or semen analysis may seem challenging to many, but it is usually a simple and easy procedure to learn about your reproductive status. By following the sperm check test instructions, you can ensure that your test results are as accurate as possible.
Keep in mind that understanding your fertility status is a critical step that helps you plan your family in the future. If you have any questions or need further assistance with the test procedure or the interpretation of reports, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.
Resources Used
- Sunder, M., & Leslie, S. W. (2022, October 24). Semen analysis. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564369/
- Understanding Sperm Morphology and Fertility. Conceive Plus®. https://conceiveplus.com/blogs/blog/sperm-morphology-and-fertility
- Hanson, B. M., Aston, K. I., Jenkins, T. G., Carrell, D. T., & Hotaling, J. M. (2018). The impact of ejaculatory abstinence on semen analysis parameters: A systematic review. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 35(2), 213-220. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-017-1086-0
- Hoang-Thi, P., Dang-Thi, T., Phan-Van, S., Nguyen-Ba, T., Truong-Thi, L., Le-Minh, T., Nguyen-Vu, H., & Nguyen-Thanh, T. (2022). The Impact of High Ambient Temperature on Human Sperm Parameters: A Meta-Analysis. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 51(4), 710-723. https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v51i4.9232
