Post-vasectomy semen analysis

Post-Vasectomy Semen Analysis (PVSA) is the procedure used to establish the success of a vasectomy. Contraceptive precautions should be used until the clinician confirms that the semen sample is clear of sperm. Assessment of a single sample is acceptable to confirm vasectomy success if all recommendations and laboratory methodology are met and no sperm observed.

Special clearance can be given to the patient by the surgeon if the number of non-motile sperm seen in two assessed samples is <100 000/ml (a very occasional non-motile sperm seen in a deep cell chamber). Clearance cannot be provided if any motile sperm are observed.

Arranging post-vasectomy checks

The first test should be requested at least 12 weeks after the vasectomy operation and the patient should have ejaculated a minimum of 20 times in this period. The sample should be brought directly to Andrology by the patient or their representative and examined within three hours of production. If sperm are seen in the first sample then subsequent samples must be examined within fifty minutes of production. If the patient lives more than fifty minutes travel from the Andrology department they will be required to produce their subsequent samples on site.

Appointments can be made for patients to collect the sample in one of our private rooms.

Requirements for post-vasectomy checks

  • The first specimen for examination should be produced at a minimum interval of 12 weeks post-surgery and after producing at least 20 ejaculates
  • Abstinence should be between 2 – 7 days (3-4 days is best).
  • The sample must be obtained by masturbation (manual stimulation) and should be collected directly into the specimen container provided by the laboratory.
  • The whole ejaculate must be collected into the sample container.
  • The complete specimen is needed for this examination, so if any of the specimen is spilt, the laboratory must be informed, and a repeat specimen may be required.
  • A condom and/or artificial lubrication must not be used for semen collection
  • A fresh sample is essential for this test and must be brought directly to the laboratory within three hours of it being passed at home.
  • The specimen container and request form must be labelled with the patient’s full name, date of birth and the date and time the specimen was passed.
  • If non-motile sperm are observed, further samples must be examined within 50 minutes of production.
  • Subsequent specimens produced at the referring doctor’s request should be brought to Andrology within 50 minutes of the sperm production.

Please note that appointments cannot be given to patients over the telephone unless we have received a GP referral.

Can samples be collected at home?

Yes, but an appointment is required to drop the sample at the laboratory within one hour of passing the sample. Some GP surgeries have our semen analysis packs. If not, patients can arrange to collect one from us (once the test has been ordered) by emailing huh-tr.homertonivflab@nhs.net

These samples need to be kept as close to body temperature as possible, so please keep your sample close to their body (for example, in an inside coat pocket).

The patient must bring the specimen directly to Andrology reception in the Fertility Centre

Sample acceptance policy

Samples should be labelled with four unique identifiers where possible, at least three are required. Unique identifiers include:

  • Surname
  • Forename
  • Date of birth
  • Medical Record Number (MRN)
  • NHS number

The information on the request form must match the above information on the sample. If the patient details do not match , no analysis will be performed and the sample will be discarded. A repeat sample will be requested.

Request forms should also contain:

  • The patient’s location/destination for the report (or a location code)
  • Tests required
  • Name of Consultant or GP
  • Name of the requester and contact number (bleep or extension)
  • Date and time of sample collection
  • Type of sample
  • All relevant clinical information
  • Patient address for GP requests

A lack of patient or sample information may result in the laboratory not conducting the analysis / examination.

Specimen containers

Some plastics are toxic to sperm and can affect sperm motility. Andrology provide specimen containers that have passed toxicity testing and are suitable for semen specimens. We cannot guarantee results are reliable for samples collected in other containers.