This doesn’t mean you have to avoid sexual activity completely. This only means you have to refrain from ejaculating in this timeframe.
You may also be asked to refrain from drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs in the days leading up to your sperm sample. Some medications that may affect test results include St. John’s Wort and cimetidine.
The lab will probably provide you with a means of transporting the container with the sample as well. If they don’t, be sure to ask what precautions you’re required to take when returning your sample to the lab.
Don’t forget to take things like traffic and the time it will take to reach the lab into consideration when planning your sample production.
The lab may provide sterilized cleaning wipes or towelettes that you can safely use without affecting the sample.
If you need to provide your sample via intercourse, the lab may be able to provide a nontoxic condom that you can use and that won’t kill the sperm in the sample. After ejaculating, seal the condom with the provided twist tie and place it in the container.
The lab will be able to remove the hair or thread with a sanitized tool that won’t affect the test results.
You may also be asked to provide additional information, such as the number of days of abstinence that preceded the sample.
Refrain from transporting the sample in a purse or briefcase where it’s harder to keep it warm. If you weren’t given a special heat-retaining transport bag, your best bet is to place the container as close to your body as possible (e. g. , under your armpit) as possible.
This will only lead to your inadvertently contaminating the sample.
