How do I get my semen analysis? We have worked hard to provide the most affordable and convenient experience for you. Therefore, we provide semen analysis from the comfort of your home through SnipCheck. This is the most convenient way to obtain a semen analysis as you receive the kit at the time of your vasectomy, collect the specimen at your convenience and place it in the mail. You are not required to miss any work or bring any specimen to the office. To ensure we provide the best care, your first semen analysis is included in your vasectomy cost. We recommend performing your semen analysis 3 months after your vasectomy, see below for details.

An alternative option is to use PVSA.org, which we used previously until their prices increased.

When is my semen analysis? Microscopic semen analysis is performed around 3 months following your vasectomy, at which point more than 95% of men will have flushed out all their residual sperm cells and will be proved sterile. Less than 5% of men still have sperm cells at 3 months and are rechecked until sterility is proven. Once sterility is proven, late failure rate is 0.05% (1 in 2,000). Semen analysis prior to 3 months is an option; however, less men are sterile during this period leading more men to require repeat testing. This is why we, along with most providers, choose to test at 3 months.

What if I need to repeat my semen analysis? Repeat semen analysis is not very common, less than 5% of patients tested at 3 months after vasectomy. Data suggests that the actual number is around 4%. If you are not sterile on your first semen analysis, a second kit will be sent to you to retest. If a third test is indicated you can either order this yourself using one of the companies above (you pay for the third test) or you can be tested in our office free of charge.

Do I need to continue birth control/contraception? Yes, you can still cause a pregnancy between the time of your vasectomy and proven sterility. We strongly recommend that you use some form of birth control/contraception until you are proven to be sterile. Click here for CDC’s information on contraception. Once you have been proven sterile, all other forms of birth control/contraception can be stopped.

How many ejaculations should I have? In order to help flush out the sperm cells in your tubes, try to have 20 to 30 ejaculations after your vasectomy and before your first semen analysis.

How do I collect my specimen for semen analysis? Please follow the detailed instructions provided in your kit that is sent by SnipCheck to your address on file. If you are not sterile on your first semen analysis and want a repeat semen analysis in the office, you should obtain a specimen cup with your name on it from our office or any clean small glass or plastic container with a lid will work. Please write your name on the container. A Ziploc bag or a condom will not work. Please collect the semen sample as close to your semen analysis appointment as possible. A fresh specimen is best and examined within 2 hours of collection. If you are not able to collect a specimen the day of your semen analysis appointment, you can collect it the night before and put it in the fridge, not freezer, overnight. Please call to schedule a date and time if you choose to have a semen analysis in the office.

How much semen is required for semen analysis? Obtain as much semen as possible; a minimum of 1 mL is required to be considered an adequate sample. Abstaining from ejaculations 2 days prior to collecting your semen sample can help ensure an adequate sample size is obtained. Any sample with less than 1 mL will require a repeat analysis.