Your simple guide to sperm testing.
Post Vasectomy Sperm Testing
Sperm analysis instructions
- Please provide a semen sample to a laboratory at 3 months post vasectomy or after 20 ejaculations, whichever is the later.
- Your semen sample must be analysed within 1 hour from ejaculation.
- This allows the laboratory to assess your sperm count and motility in the case where sperm is found in your semen analysis.
- A successful vasectomy is defined as:
- 0 sperm
- 95% of men
- Less than 100,000 sperm with 0% motility in two readings
- 5% of men
- 0 sperm
Where do I drop off my semen analysis?
- You can drop off you sample at a local pathology lab that performs post vasectomy semen analysis.
- Ideally, the time of ejaculation and time of assessment must be within 1 hour.
- There are only a limited number of post vasectomy semen analysis laboratories per state. Most semen analysis samples are couriered to these laboratories from their satellite collection centres (SCC).
- We understand it is difficult for most men to attend the specific post vasectomy semen analysis laboratories (PVSAL). Therefore, it is reasonable to dop off your post vasectomy semen analysis sample at your local satellite collection centre.
Post vasectomy semen analysis laboratory (PVSAL) Vs Satellite collection centre (SCC):
- PVSAL
- Limited locations per state. E.g only 3 in Melbourne.
- Only found in hospitals or head offices of laboratories.
- Can reliably assess sperm motility if sample assessed within 1 hour of ejaculation.
- SCC
- Multiple located per suburb.
- Often found in GP clinics.
- Unable to assess sperm motility reliably because semen sample is couriered to PVSAL.
What is sperm motility?
- Sperm motility refers to how well sperm move.
- After a vasectomy, the goal is to confirm that no motile sperm remain in the ejaculate.
- 5% of men post vasectomy may have some sperm left over post vasectomy.
- Most of these men have non-motile sperm.
- Motility can only be assessed within 1 hour from ejaculation.
- Therefore, the 5% of men who have sperm left over in their ejaculate post a vasectomy, must have an accurate motility assessment.
It is difficult to find a PVSAL near me. What should I do?
- This is not a problem. You can drop off you ejaculate at a SCC.
How do I find a laboratory?
- To find a suitable centre please check the laboratory’s website. See below for links.
Still have questions?
Frequently asked questions
Can I complete my sperm test before 20 ejaculations?
No. You must wait to have at least 20 ejaculations.
Can I complete my sperm test before 3 months?
Yes, but you must have at least 20 ejaculations. It is best to wait 3 months to avoid unnecessary anxiety.
What is the cost of sperm analysis?
This is dependent on the labratory. Most labratories bulk bill. Please contact the labratroy via the details above to find out.
My GP has a pathology collection centre. Can I drop off my sperm sample there?
Yes you can provided the pathology collection centre accepts semen analysis samples. Contact the pathology collection centre at your GP to confirm.
How long should I wait before Circumcision Vasectomy Australia contacts me about my result??
We will contact you within 5 business days to discuss your results. We will send you a message asking you to book a consultation with our health professional.
I lost my jar. Where can I obtain another jar?
We use a urine sample jar. You can obtain this from a pathology collection centre or your local pharmacy.
I lost my sperm analysis referral. What should I do?
Please email us requesting for a new refferal.
