Semen analysis

The best way to assess male fertility is through a semen analysis. Male infertility is the second biggest cause of infertility (after advanced age of the egg provider). Understanding your sperm health early rather than later means you can seek assistance from a fertility specialist (if required), so you won’t lose time on your fertility journey.

If you are having trouble falling pregnant, or if you just want to check your sperm health, consider having a semen analysis at Monash IVF.

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What is a semen analysis?

A semen analysis is a scientific assessment of a sperm sample. This test can give you accurate information about:

  • Motility - how many sperm can swim
  • Morphology - the shape of the sperm
  • Count - how many individual sperm are present in the sample
  • Vitality – how many of your sperm are alive

Your clinician may also add on other measures of sperm health including:

  • Anti-sperm antibodies: to see if your sample contains specific proteins that may attack your own sperm and damage it or block natural fertilisation
  • Sperm DNA Fragmentation (Halosperm): measures the level of DNA damage inside your sperm

Your semen analysis can be undertaken by Monash IVF’s experienced fertility scientists at the NATA accredited laboratories at our major sites.

Preparing for a semen analysis

Before you book your semen analysis, you’ll need a request form from your GP or fertility specialist.

It is important that you refrain from ejaculating for at least 2 days prior to the test so that a representative semen sample is examined. The ideal abstinence period is 2-7 days.

Samples must be produced by masturbation without lubricants (many are toxic to sperm) or by using a special semen collection condom, which is available for collection from the Monash IVF Andrology team.

On the day of your semen analysis, you need to bring your request form from your GP or fertility specialist into the clinic with you.

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Semen samples produced outside the clinic

If you are not comfortable producing a sample in one of our clinics, you can do so outside of the clinic and deliver it to our Monash IVF andrology laboratory.

It is important that you have an appointment for dropping off your sample to ensure staff are available on the day to perform the test.

Again, it’s important to refrain from ejaculating for at least 2 days prior to the test. The ideal abstinence period is 2-7 days.

You must produce your sample by masturbation without lubricants (many are toxic to sperm) or by using a special semen collection condom, which is available for collection from the Monash IVF Andrology team. The sample must be collected in a sterile container, which is available from Monash IVF.

Place the container in the bag provided by Monash IVF and keep your sample at room temperature during transport to the clinic.

Deliver the sample to Monash IVF, preferably within 30 minutes. When you drop off your sample, you need to have your request form from your GP or fertility specialist.

Book a semen analysis at Monash IVF

To arrange your semen analysis at Monash IVF in Victoria, call our Andrology team on 1800 731 672.

To arrange your semen analysis in other states, please contact your local Monash IVF clinic.

Please note: regional patients can access semen analysis from their local pathology company. Your Monash IVF clinic can recommend a preferred laboratory in your region.

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