ENHANCED PLUS SEMEN ANALYSIS
The Enhanced Plus Semen Analysis includes everything offered in the Enhanced Semen Analysis along with an additional test to assess DNA Fragmentation.
Although a semen analysis provides an idea of the amount of moving, normal looking sperm in your sample, a DNA Fragmentation test provides information about what is going on inside those sperm. A high level of DNA damage may lead to delayed time to conception, failed IVF outcomes and an increased risk of miscarriage.
The Exact tests, powered by SpermComet technology are performed offsite at the Examen Laboratory in Belfast. Your sample will be frozen and shipped using a special container to ensure your sperm remain at the correct temperature. Three report types are available so you can select the one which best reflects your situation.
Exact Fertility – select this test if you are still at the early stages of your investigations.
Exact IVF – this may be useful if your sperm have been identified as suitable for IVF based on the results of a detailed semen analysis. Identification of high levels of DNA fragmentation may mean that ICSI could be a better treatment choice.
Exact Miscarriage – if you have a history of sporadic or recurrent miscarriage, this may be useful to identify if sperm DNA damage could be a contributing factor.
If the test reveals a high level of DNA fragmentation, your clinician should be able to guide you on what this means. If the Enhanced Plus Semen Analysis also revealed a high level of oxidative stress, it is possible that this may be a cause of the DNA damage. Your clinician may want to undertake further tests to check for infection or the presence of a varicocele. They may also discuss how you can make lifestyle changes which may improve your results. If you have already decided to embark on fertility treatment, the results may also help to decide whether IVF or ICSI is right for you.
The test can usually be carried out on a single sample alongside the Detailed Semen Analysis and MiOXSYS. Although results for most of the tests should be available in 2-3 days, results for the DNA Fragmentation test can take around 3 weeks.
ARRANGING SEMEN ANALYSIS TESTS
We appreciate that seeking sperm analysis and being asked to produce a semen sample to order for the purpose of investigation may be difficult and embarrassing. Please be reassured that the laboratory team are vastly experienced and will answer any questions you have and provide guidance with professionalism and sensitivity.
Please ring: 0117 259 1159 or email: lab@BCRM.clinic to discuss the available tests, to make a booking and to arrange a convenient date and time for the sample to be received.
Samples can also be produced on site in one of our 3 dedicated rooms for these purposes.
Instructions for Production of the Semen Sample:
In order to assess sperm at maximum quality please do not have sexual intercourse or masturbate for 2 days, but no more than 5 days before producing the sample. The sperm sample should be produced by masturbation into a special container (provided).
Please carefully note the following:
- Most of the sperm in an ejaculate is in the first portion, therefore if you collect the sample by interrupting intercourse, it is likely that this will be lost, and we will diagnose a problem, which does not exist.
- Please do not produce samples into condoms for analysis, as these contain spermicides that destroy sperm.
- Should some of the ejaculate fail to enter the container please do not submit that sample for analysis.
- We would recommend that you wash yourself with soap and water.
If your sample is produced off site, it is important that semen samples are analysed quickly after production, as sperm begin to die quite rapidly outside the body. Deliver your sample as quickly as possible, at most within an hour of production.
Keep the sample warm by carrying it upright in an inside pocket, but not keeping it too hot. Please label the container CLEARLY with your name and date of birth, and the date and time the sample was produced.