In these circumstances, it may be possible to treat the sperm in the laboratory in an attempt to enhance fertilization. More information about these tests are available from your physician. In order to obtain an optimal semen specimen, the husband may be requested to refrain from ejaculation for at least 48 hours prior to providing a specimen. A private room is provided near the Reproductive Assays Laboratory for the collection of semen specimens. The wife may accompany her husband if he wishes.
Many factors affect the quality of sperm produced by an individual at any given time.
Therefore, the husband will be asked to complete a brief reproductive history as well as note any temporary conditions which may affect sperm quality. When making an appointment for semen analysis, please inform us if there has been a fever or illness within the last three months as this may affect the specimen. If the wife's ovulatory cycle is being monitored for purposes of follicular maturation studies, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization or gamete intrafallopian transfer, the physician's office should be alerted if any conditions occur which may affect sperm quality, such as illness or extreme stress. This will enable the physician to evaluate the condition for potential adverse effects upon the husband's sperm production at the time of his wife's ovulation. The entire ARHC staff have had special training in fertility problems.