You can ask your cancer doctor or GP to send you for a semen analysis at a local laboratory. This tests whether you are producing sperm, and if so, how many and how active they are. The doctor would then usually refer you to an NHS fertility specialist to discuss the results. These tests are free.
If you’ve stored your sperm in a sperm bank, you can ask them to do a semen analysis. You can also ask a private fertility centre to do this. The sperm bank or private fertility centre may charge you for the test.
what does the test involve?
To have your semen examined, you have to produce a sample by masturbating (‘wanking’) into a small container. You may be allowed to produce the sample at home and take it into the laboratory within an hour of it being produced. However, it’s more common to be asked to produce a sample in a private room close to the laboratory. The advantage of this is that the sample can be analysed quickly and is more accurate.
how accurate is the test?
No laboratory test is 100% accurate. However, the semen analysis test should be able to tell whether your testicles are producing sperm. If sperm are being produced, the test also checks how many and how healthy they are. Looking at how well the sperm move and their size and shape can give doctors an idea of how likely you are to be able to have a pregnancy with your partner. This can let them know whether you are likely to need specialist fertility treatment (assisted conception treatment).
test results
if the test shows normal sperm production
If the semen analysis shows that your testicles are producing sperm at normal levels, you need to use contraception if you’re not planning to be a father.
You may find it useful to have the test repeated every year to make sure that the situation has not changed.
If you have normal test results over several years, you may like to think about whether the frozen samples you have in storage are really needed. Your doctor may discuss this with you and you can also talk it over with the counsellor in the clinic, but there should be no pressure to get rid of the samples if you want to keep them.
if the test shows below-normal sperm production
If the result shows that sperm production is below normal levels there is still a possibility that you can become a father. It is important to use contraception if you do not want to become a father just yet.
You will be advised to wait at least three months before having another test to see if the situation has improved. The sperm counts of healthy fertile men can vary widely and so the sperm count may be higher at the next test.
if the test shows no sperm production
If no sperm are seen in the sample, it might be useful to have the test repeated. If you are not actively trying to become a father, it may be reasonable to have a test every year.
If you want to become a father, you may decide to have the test done more often. However, because it can take up to three months for the testicles to make a sperm, most doctors advise you to wait at least three months between tests.
Even if you have been told that you are not producing any sperm, you should keep using contraception if you are not planning to become a father. This is because sperm production can start again at any time.
Your fertility doctor may ask you for a second sample. This is to check the result of the first test. The doctor may also ask you to have other tests (usually blood tests) if you want to try for a baby.
