As the goal of a vasectomy is to prevent sperm entering into your semen, it is vital that you provide a semen sample at 16 weeks following your operation so we can confirm that no sperm are present. In a small number of cases, these will not yet be clear, and the tests will have to be repeated. If additional samples are required, they must be submitted 4 weeks apart. Very occasionally semen may be slow to clear and sperm may be present more than a year after the operation. In these cases a special test will be arranged after 7 months to confirm sterility.
Immediately after the operation, you will be given a pathology request form for your semen sample; please keep this safe. You must bring your sample to the hospital, not the GP practice. Samples can now also be produced on site at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital (King’s Lynn). Please book your sample delivery appointment online using the website address provided; book well in advance to avoid delays. You may request a sample container to be delivered to your address and then produce the sample at home on the day of your appointment. However, if you opt to do this, it must be delivered to the pathology reception within 30 minutes of production. Our advice is that post vasectomy semen analysis samples are produced on site to ensure they are tested within the necessary time frame. Further instructions are provided online. We will write to you with your results within two weeks of the sample being received.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR POST VASECTOMY SEMEN ANALYSIS
- Please refrain from intercourse or ejaculation for 2-7 days prior to collection of sample.
- All semen samples should be as clean and sterile as possible.
- Wash your hands and the whole of your genital area. Please do not touch the inside of the pot.
- Produce a specimen by masturbation. Collect the ejaculate into the pot. It is vital every drop is collected as we cannot process incomplete samples.
- If you lose any of your specimen do not try to put it back into the pot but make a note on the request form.
- Replace the lid carefully, ensuring that it fits tightly and correctly.
- The laboratory is unable to give results to patients or their relatives. Dr Morton will contact you by letter on receipt of the result.