Doctors obtain a sperm sample from a male patient using the following procedures. The patient is asked to refrain from any sexual activity leading to ejaculation for 2 to 5 days before sperm analysis, which will ensure that the sperm count is at its highest, as well as avoiding drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and administering drugs. When at the clinic, the patient will be asked to produce a sperm sample, with the most common method being to privately masturbate into a clean sample cup. You can also collect a sample during intercourse, or by using a condom. Special condoms not containing spermicide can be given out by doctors. The sample must go into analysis within 1 hour, and needs to be kept as close to room temperature as possible. A doctor will then analyze the sperm in order to determine different treatments, whether for infertility, or in preparation for a vasectomy.
