Semen testing to confirm the absence of sperm in your semen (azoospermia) following your vasectomy at our Carryduff clinic is an absolutely essential part of the process following a vasectomy.
This is why you will be asked to produce a semen sample for testing at following your vasectomy procedure.
This process enables your doctor to confirm that the vasectomy procedure has been successful. At Vasectomy NI we aim to try and provide clearance to abandon contraception after one test in 4 months but occasionally you will need to produce more than one sample over a period of time to ensure that sperm do not start to appear again in your semen sample.
Semen analysis is the examination of your semen using a microscope to determine in your case whether or not sperm are present to allow us to confirm if your vasectomy procedure has been successful. It is important that you do not abandon contraception until you have had a “clear semen analysis” confirming the absence of sperm in your semen.
What do I have to do?
Your first semen analysis kit will be posted to you 4 months after your vasectomy at your home address. You will provided with a sterile container and documentation in order for you to return your sample. It is extremely important that the sample is collected as advised by ACCULABS (the laboratory that analyses the test). There will be clear instructions and it is important that they are followed precisely and that the forms are correctly filled in.
We recommend returning the sample by recorded delivery to ensure it arrives at the lab as quickly as possible. The appropriate packaging and documentation will all be included in the kit that arrives through the post.
How do I collect the sample?
Thoroughly wash, rinse and dry your penis, testicles and hands before you produce the sample
If producing the sample at home; masturbate and collect the sample into the container making sure you tightly cap it and place it in the self-sealing bag provided.
Complete the form; we need this information to ensure we get as much accurate information from your semen analysis as possible. If any of this information is missing we will not be able to accept the sample so it’s very important that you take the time to check it’s completed correctly
Please note that masturbation is the only recommended method for collecting the sample ‘cleanly’ for analysis. The withdrawal method (vaginal, oral) is not recommended as it is likely that some of the samples will be lost and may in any case be contaminated. The first part of the ejaculate contains most of the sperm so this is particularly important.
Ordinary condoms cannot be used as these contain a spermicide which will kill any sperm in the ejaculate.
If you have any problems producing your sample, please give us a call or e-mail pauline@vasectomyni.co.uk
How will my sample be tested?
Acculabs will examine the sample under the microscope to determine if any sperm are present in the sample:
How will I get my results?
A written report will be sent to your referring doctor approximately 7 working days after the test was performed. For reasons of confidentiality we never give out results over the telephone so please understand the good reasons why any such request will be politely declined. We will communicate the results to you by post or electronic mail if you have consented to this.
How do I know when my sample is clear?
Clearance post-vasectomy is defined as follows:
One postal sample where there are no sperm in the ejaculate (azoospermia) as long as acceptance criteria have been met (samples with no sperm in the ejaculate)
One fresh sample that has been examined within one hour at a local laboratory with <100,000 immotile sperm cells. We sometimes arrange this as an alternative to a second postal sample if you live near to our local laboratory.
There are still sperm in my sample(s), what does this mean?
Persistent non non-moving (immotile) sperm can remain in men for several reasons and your doctor will explain what they believe is the reason for this to you. ‘Special clearance’ can be granted by your doctor in such cases where a concentration of less than 10,000 immotile sperm remains 28 weeks following vasectomy.
What do I do if I am considering a vasectomy?
If you are considering a vasectomy the first thing to do is browse the website which should answer all your questions. If you are keen to proceed, get in touch with us at info@vasectomyni.co.uk. One of our team will contact you to get your and answer any questions you have. We have short waiting lists and our team is highly trained and skilled at delivering this service. Our clinic is based in Carryduff Surgery, Belfast, Northern Ireland and people travel from all over Ireland to attend our clinic. Dr Quinn is an experienced NHS trained Vasectomy surgeon and we would be happy to answer any queries you may have about this procedure.
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