The best time for semen analysis

Semen analysis is performed after a 3-5 day sexual abstinence. This time interval is critical to obtain accurate information on semen. If the abstinence is longer than 5 days, the number of spermatozoa increases, but the motility and vitality decrease and the risk of DNA damage is increased. On the other hand, if sexual abstinence is shorter than 3 days, the number of spermatozoa decreases and the motility increases. In both cases, the analysis results would be misleading.

Sperm production is affected by smoking, alcohol consumption, heat, medications and infections. If an abnormality is detected in the sperm analysis, physical and hormonal examinations are carried out and further samples are taken 3-4 weeks later and evaluated. Spermatozoa production in male testes takes around 2-3 months; hence, the sperm produced will be secreted in the semen 2-3 months later. Because of this, damage, caused by long term exposure to toxic substances and/or abnormal conditions affecting sperm production and the effects of drugs taken during infertility treatment can only be observed 2-3 months later. This is taken into account when semen is being evaluated.