Preparing your sample
A few simple steps help us give you the most accurate result.
- Avoid ejaculation (through intercourse or masturbation) for 2 to 7 days before your appointment, but make sure your last ejaculation was within the past week
- Avoid passing urine in the half hour before you collect your sample
- Don't collect by withdrawing from intercourse
- Skip oil-based lubricants and standard condoms, as both can affect sperm
- Avoid excess alcohol and recreational drugs in the days beforehand, as both affect sperm quality
- Keep your sample at body temperature, don't refrigerate it or let it get warmer than that
- Use the sterile specimen container provided by your doctor or our laboratory, or pick up a sterile container from the chemist
- Label the container with your name, date of birth, and the time and date of collection
- Collect the entire sample by masturbation, the first few drops matter most
- Check the lid is screwed on firmly and place the container in a specimen bag or plastic bag
Delivering your sample
If you're collecting at home, you or your partner can deliver the sample to us within one hour of collection. If you live further away or would simply prefer to collect on site, our private clinic locations listed above are available for you to use instead.
