Andrology Services

What are Andrology Services:

Andrology services involve anything related to sperm and male (AMAB) infertility. It includes male fertility testing, sperm preparation for insemination or IVF/ART procedures, and sperm cryopreservation.

SPERM PREPERATION

What is sperm preparation for insemination:

Sperm is washed and prepared for IUI.

Why would you need sperm prepared for inseminations:

Washing and preparing the sperm for an IUI is the first line of treatment for infertility. Washing the sperm separates the seminal fluid from the sperm. Seminal fluid cannot go into the uterus because it causes uterine cramps or other bad reactions. Washing also removes non-motile sperm cells and concentrates the remaining motile sperm to increase the chances of achieving pregnancy. There are different methods of sperm preparation that can be used depending on your sperm quality and the fertility treatment you are going to use.

SEMEN ANALYSIS

What is a semen analysis:

A laboratory test that evaluates specific factors in your seminal fluid and sperm, such as how the sperm move, their shape, and how many sperm you have in a sample. The results of your testing are compared to World Health Organization average values and help your physician come up with a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Why would you need a semen analysis:

A semen analysis is often the first step in fertility testing. Your physician may order a semen analysis to determine if you have an identifiable medical reason for infertility and to come up with a treatment plan. A semen analysis can also help determine if you can start with IUIs or if you need to go to more advanced treatments like IVF or ICSI.

DIRECTED DONOR PREPARATION

What is directed donor preparation:

A directed donor is known to the patients who intend to use the donor’s sperm to attempt a pregnancy, but this person has no intention to be a parent of any child that results from the pregnancy. Directed donor preparation includes medical and genetic screening and testing and sperm preparation that we can provide for you.

Why would you need directed donor preparation:

When you use a directed donor, sometimes referred to as a known donor, this person generally still has to be screened and tested like an anonymous or open donor.

SPERM CRYOPRESERVATION

What is sperm cryopreservation:

Sperm is prepared and frozen in liquid nitrogen for future use.

Why would you need sperm cryopreservation:

  • to use in future IUI, IVF, or ICSI treatments
  • when you are using PGS/PGD
  • cancer treatments that can affect future fertility
  • military deployments
  • vasectomy
  • hormone treatments
  • extended travel
  • urological surgeries
  • other medical treatments
  • potential exposure to substances that can affect future fertility

SPERM STORAGE

What is sperm storage:

Sperm is frozen and stored in tanks filled with liquid nitrogen.

Why would you store sperm:

Sperm is stored for the same reasons as it is frozen:

  • to use in future IUI, IVF, or ICSI treatments
  • when you are using PGS/PGD
  • cancer treatments that can affect future fertility
  • military deployments
  • vasectomy
  • hormone treatments
  • extended travel
  • urological surgeries
  • other medical treatments
  • potential exposure to substances that can affect future fertility

Collection Instructions

For the best results we recommend following these instructions:

  • No sperm ejaculation for 2-5 days prior to the day of collection.  This means no sex, no masturbation, etc.
  • The sample must be collected by masturbation.
  • Lubrication can damage the sperm sample.  Please DO NOT use any lubricants.
  • Sperm must be collected in a sterile collection container
  • RDI’s private collection rooms are equipped with wifi to be used on your personal device.
  • If you are located within 1 hour of RDI sperm may be collected at home.
  • If collecting at home you must follow all provided instructions.
  • Your collected sperm sample must be kept in it’s sterile container and kept at body temperature while traveling to the laboratory.