Patient's question:
Hello, I would like to inquire about the precautions to be taken when checking sperm quality. My wife and I have been married for almost a year now, and we haven't taken any contraceptive measures, but she hasn't shown any signs of pregnancy yet. Could this be related to my sperm? I want to check if there are any issues with my sperm. What are the precautions to be taken when checking sperm quality?Doctor's answer:
Before a semen analysis, the patient should abstain from sexual activity for 4 to 7 days. One week before the test, testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylacetate, and nandrolone phenylpropionate should not be used. During semen collection, soft soap or petroleum jelly can be used to massage the male genitalia, and the sample should be collected in a sterile test tube. Alternatively, a condom (cleaned and free of spermicidal agents) or the coitus interruptus method can be used to collect semen, but the amount collected in this way is often insufficient. If the above methods fail to collect semen, rectal massage of the seminal vesicles and the terminal part of the vas deferens, along with urethral compression, can be performed to check for sperm in the sediment. Do not expose semen to excessively hot or cold environments. It should be handed over to the doctor promptly, within 30 minutes. On cold days, take precautions to keep it warm, such as placing it in a pocket inside your clothing to maintain temperature during transport.