Semen Preparation

Sperm washing is a form of sperm preparation that is required prior to intrauterine insemination or IVF because it removes chemicals from the semen, which may cause adverse reactions in the uterus. During the sperm washing process sperm is separated from the seminal fluid. This procedure enhances the fertilizing capacity of the sperm and is thus recommended in cases with immune system disorders, male-factor or unexplained infertility.

IMPORTANT:

Sexual abstinence for at least 2 days, but not more than 5 days, is recommended prior to collecting semen. Specimens can be collected at our facility or at home, provided that it does not take more than 1 hour to bring the sample to our facility. Specimen should be collected in sterile wide-mouth containers via dry masturbation (no lubricants). Containers are available at our laboratory and can be found at drug stores with the name urine specimen cups. Once the sample has been collected, the container must be kept upright with the lid tightly secured. If you produce the specimen at home, you need to keep the specimen at body temperature. We recommend placing the container in an inner pocket during cold weather. Allergies to antibiotics should be reported prior to sperm washing