What’s Involved with a Semen Analysis?
Sep 18, 2025
Has your doctor ordered a semen analysis? If you’ve never gotten one before, you might be wondering what this test entails, if it will be uncomfortable, and what it can tell you.
Gen 5 Fertility Center offers semen analyses as well as several other fertility tests and treatments. Dr. Samuel Wood and Dr. Benito Villanueva will walk you through all the steps and expectations of a semen analysis so you can feel ready before the procedure.
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive naturally for more than a year without luck, you should consider a semen analysis. For one reason, it’s one of our least invasive testing options, and it can give you answers fairly quickly. For another, it can test for several different issues all at once.
Problems with testicular function, ejaculation, hormones, or even a genetic issue could all potentially create infertility in those who produce sperm. This test makes it easy and fast for us to rule out all of these potential problems.
A semen analysis isn’t a complicated or invasive procedure. You visit our clinic and receive a container. Then, you wash your hands and your penis before masturbating into the container. Try to catch all of the sperm in the container, and please let us know if you don’t.
During the procedure, you won’t be able to use lube, and you mustn’t try to push sperm that didn’t make it into the container back in, as that could contaminate the sample. Generally, this is a simple procedure that you could do at any time as long as you’ve avoided sexual activity involving ejaculation for two to seven days beforehand.
The procedure is simple, fast, and discreet. We understand the common feelings of nervousness and embarrassment, but trust us, everyone at our clinic is simply focused on helping you and your partner conceive.
After you provide a semen sample, you can go home without any need for recovery or post-procedure treatment. The results take a few days, and share them with you as soon as we have them.
At our clinic, we use semen analysis to check for several qualities, including
If any of these qualities are off, it could be affecting your fertility. Some issues can be treated easily with lifestyle changes, such as wearing different types of underwear, avoiding alcohol, eating (or abstaining from) certain foods, and more. Other issues might require medication or even surgery.
There’s nothing to worry about with a semen analysis. We provide quick, effective testing that is always safe and discreet. If you have any other questions, our staff is happy to answer them so that you feel as comfortable as possible.
To book an appointment, call or visit our online booking portal. We look forward to meeting you at our San Diego, California, office.