If you have been having difficulty in conceiving a child, you and your husband would be asked to undergo certain basic investigations. The test that is required from your husband or partner is a routine semen test. However, before he heads to the nearest lab, here are a few things that both of you should keep in mind:
1) Your partner should avoid all sexual activity (including masturbation) that results in ejaculation for at least 2-3 days before the test. We recommend that the test may be done when the woman is having her periods as most couple naturally abstain from sex during this time. At the same time one should not avoid sexual activity for more than a week or ten days also. A long period of sexual inactivity has been reported with less active sperms. This may result in a false report of decreased motility of sperms in the report.
2) One should not have too much alcohol or take any other recreational drugs for at least one week before the test.
3) Please ensure that the laboratory that you are going to for the test has standardized procedure and trained technicians available. It should preferably be an accredited lab to ensure that all the required procedures are followed.
4) Always inform your doctor about any medicines or herbal supplements that you may be using.
Procedure in the Lab:
1) You will be given a clean wide mouthed jar and be asked to produce a semen sample.
2) There is usually a separate room or bathroom for this purpose. If your residence is close to the lab, then you can collect the sample at home and deposit it in the lab as soon as possible and within half an hour. You must carefully note the time of ejaculation and inform this to the lab staff.
3) Most people collect semen by self masturbation and deposit the ejaculated semen directly into the container.
4) One must wash hands, use the toilet, clean the penis with normal water and dry before starting. One should also not use any lubricant for this purpose.
5) You must be careful that all semen has gone into the bottle. If a few drops spill out during collection the lab staff should be informed. Do not pick up any semen drops from the floor and try to put it back.
6) One can also do the semen collection with the help of your partner. In this case one needs to withdraw the penis just before ejaculation and then ejaculate it straight into the container.
7) If you wish to collect the semen in a condom then one needs to use special non spermicidal condoms or wash the normal condoms thoroughly before putting it on. It needs to be removed carefully afterwards to avoid spillage. This condom then should be tied and placed in a container which goes to the lab as soon as possible.