Does Semen Analysis Require Sexual Abstinence? If So, For How Many Days?

For couples preparing for pregnancy, it is crucial for both parties to maintain good health. To ensure a smooth conception, some may choose to undergo pre-pregnancy checkups at hospitals. For men, semen examination is a necessary part of the checkup, allowing doctors to assess the condition of the semen and sperm. To ensure the accuracy of semen examination, abstinence is required before the test.

The collection of semen requires men to abstain for three to five days. This duration should not be too long or too short. If it's too long, there will be an increase in the number of dead and abnormal sperm. If it's too short, the quantity of sperm and the volume of semen will decrease.

The semen collection requires men to abstain for 3-5 days. Both too long and too short durations can affect the results of the examination. An extended abstinence can lead to an increase in the number of dead and abnormal sperm, while a shortened abstinence can result in a decrease in sperm count and semen volume. It is important to collect all the semen in a clean container using masturbation or ejaculation outside the body, and to preserve it in an environment close to body temperature (such as under close-fitting underwear) and send it to the laboratory for examination as soon as possible.

Here are some key points to note for semen examination:

1. Abstinence: Sexual activity, masturbation, and wet dreams should be avoided for 2-7 days before semen collection. Additionally, smoking and alcohol consumption should be abstained from, and any medications that may affect sperm production should be avoided.
2. Timing of Collection: Morning is generally considered the best time for semen collection. Before collection, wash your hands and groin area, especially the tip of the penis, with warm water. Semen can be collected through masturbation or electric massage to induce ejaculation.
3. Order of Semen Collection: Semen is ejaculated in a specific order, with the initial portion originating from the prostate, epididymis, and ampulla of the vas deferens and containing a large number of sperm. The final portion comes from the seminal vesicles. Therefore, it is crucial to collect the entire semen sample, including all its parts, especially the initial portion.
4. Container for Semen: The container used for semen collection should be clean, sterile, and dry. Before collection, the temperature of the container should be the same as the room temperature. The container should not be too large, but the opening should not be too small to prevent semen spilling out. It is also important to label the container with the name and time of collection.
5. Timing of Delivery: In cold weather, the semen sample should be kept warm, placed in a close-fitting underwear pocket, and not tilted or inverted. It is recommended to deliver the sample to the laboratory within one hour.

By following these guidelines, men can ensure the accuracy and reliability of their semen examination results, which are crucial for assessing fertility and planning for a healthy pregnancy.