Before producing your sample, we recommend you don’t have sex or ejaculate for at least two days, but no more than seven days, prior.

It is recommended that you produce your sample in a private andrology suite of our clinic. However, arrangements can be made to create your sample at home if this is what you prefer.

If you’re producing your sample at home, you’ll need to bring it to the laboratory within one hour. This is important. After production, the sample should not be exposed to extreme temperatures (either heat or cold) and should be stored at room temperature. You’ll still need an appointment if you produce your sample from home, so our lab knows you’re attending that day. In addition, our laboratory needs to provide the semen collection container, as we use specialised containers that are safe for sperm. You will need to organise to collect a specialised container from the laboratory before producing it at home.

For some people, masturbation isn’t possible for medical, social, cultural or religious reasons. In this case, talk to your local laboratory about getting a special condom so you can produce your sample via intercourse.

Once your sperm is collected, it’s mixed with a protective solution before the temperature is gradually reduced. Sperm cannot be frozen or stored at home because it needs to be kept in liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees Celsius. Scientifically, there’s no limit on how long sperm can be frozen.