sperm tests
did you know?
The reasons for a couple’s infertility are as individual as
the couple. Therefore, both partners need to be tested
before treatment can be planned. This is true even if one
cause of infertility, such as blocked fallopian tubes,
has already been found.
Approximately 40% of infertility is due to a sperm factor.
Nearly 20% of couples have both a sperm factor and a
female factor.
For the sperm to reach the egg after intercourse, they
must leave the vagina, swim through the cervical mucus,
then swim through the uterus to the fallopian tubes,
where they meet the egg. It is usually only the rapidly
moving, normally shaped sperm that can bind to and
fertilize the egg. If there are too many slower moving
or unusually shaped sperm, they may get in the way
of the better quality sperm.
The Genesis Andrology Lab exceeds the rigorous World
Health Organization standards and is one of the most
advanced labs of its kind in British Columbia. Because
of the exceptionally high standards of our lab, community
doctors use Genesis as a reference laboratory for
sperm results.
how do i book the test?
Please phone Genesis Fertility Centre during office hours
(Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm) to make an
appointment. Only a limited number of specialized sperm
tests are performed each day, and scheduling is necessary
to allow the Andrology Laboratory the required time
to perform the tests properly.
how do i provide the semen sample?
When you arrive at Genesis for your appointment, you
will be asked to provide your basic personal information.
You will then be directed to a private room to produce
a semen specimen. You will give the specimen to one
of our laboratory technicians who will then analyze the
sperm. After analysis your sperm sample will be destroyed.
We would prefer that you collect the specimen on site
in one of our private collection rooms. However, you
may also collect the specimen at home if it can be in our
laboratory within 30 minutes after it is produced, and if
it can be kept warm in an inside pocket during transport.
Please inform us if you are planning to bring the specimen
from home so that the lab staff can be prepared.
To obtain the most meaningful results, please abstain
from ejaculation for at least two days, and no more than
five days before your appointment.
when will my results be available?
The detailed morphology assessment takes several days
to complete. The final test results should be available to
your doctor about a week after your test appointment.
Due to the confidential and often sensitive nature of
these results, please be advised that our staff cannot
release the results to you over the telephone. Please
arrange an appointment with the doctor who ordered
the tests to discuss and interpret the results.
what sperm tests are available at genesis?
1. Semen Profile / Screen: $100
What is done? We do a structured analysis of your sperm
sample to determine how many sperm are in the semen,
how many are alive, and how many are moving. We also
do a detailed and accurate assessment of sperm shape
or morphology.
Who is it for? Men undergoing infertility investigation,
and those with abnormalities like low sperm count
or abnormal morphology on a screening test from
a community lab.
2. Antisperm Antibodies: $125
What is done? This test includes a Semen Profile
(see previous) plus a screen for antisperm antibodies.
Some men make antibodies against their own sperm,
especially after a vasectomy, testicular trauma, or as
a cross-reaction with certain bacteria. Antibodies
bind onto the surface of the sperm and can make the
sperm clump together. This can interfere with sperm
movement through the woman’s reproductive tract,
or stop the sperm from binding to the egg. While
there is no effective treatment to stop antisperm
antibodies from forming, their effects can be bypassed
by injecting a single sperm directly into the egg
with Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Who is it for? Men who have low motility or clumping
noted on previous sperm tests, and those with a
history of vasectomy reversal, testicular trauma, or
urogenital infections such as prostatitis or epididymitis.
3. Trial Wash: $250
What is done? This test includes a Semen Profile,
an Antisperm Antibody screen, and a Trial Wash
to ensure that we can get enough good quality sperm
from the sample for use in treatments such as
intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization
(IVF) or ICSI. Some samples with mild abnormalities
may be suitable for IUI or IVF, while in other cases,
our laboratory may recommend ICSI, which is the
injection of a single sperm directly into each egg,
in order to enhance fertilization.
Who is it for? Men who are contemplating assisted
conception procedures such as IUI, IVF or ICSI.
how are the results used?
Your doctor can use this information, along with the
results of other infertility investigations, to plan
the best course of treatment for you as a couple.
fees and cancellations
Specialized sperm tests are not available through general
community laboratories and they are not insured services.
However, the fees are tax-deductible medical expenses.
The antisperm antibodies and trial wash require an extensive
set-up the day prior to the test. These two tests therefore
require a 50% booking deposit that is non-refundable if you cancel
later than 12:00 noon on the day prior to your test.
Genesis Fertility Centre is one of the largest IVF
programs in Canada, and our success rates are among
the best in the country. We have been at the forefront
of reproductive medicine since 1995, helping thousands
of couples achieve their dream of having a baby.
Whether you have just discovered that you have a fertility
problem or have been struggling for years, Genesis Fertility
Centre offers you a unique blend of patient-centered care
and state-of-the-art reproductive technology. At your
first visit your physician will carefully assess you and your
partner’s condition and develop a personalized treatment
plan designed to give you the best chance of conceiving.
costs Infertility consultations and tests are covered by MSP.
confidentiality All services are provided in a
completely discreet and confidential environment.
vancouver #300 – 1367 W Broadway Avenue, Vancouver, BC
surrey #116 – 13798 94A Avenue, Surrey, BC
For a referral to either office:
tel 604.879. 3032 | fax 604.875.1432
email [email protected] | web www.genesis-fertility.com
April 2008
sperm testing