Andrology Lab

Once we have a sperm sample, we can evaluate volume, number, motion, and shape (morphology). From there, we can determine if abnormal sperm morphology treatment is required. Some of the factors we evaluate include:

• Volume is the amount of ejaculate in milliliters.
• Concentration is the number of sperm in each milliliter of ejaculate.
• Total sperm count is calculated by multiplying the concentration by the volume.
• Motility is the percentage of sperm that are moving.
• Morphology is the percentage of sperm with normal appearance compared to a standard for sperm.

At Atlantic Reproductive Medicine’s Andrology Laboratory, we offer sperm testing, cryopreservation, and preparation for the full range of fertility treatments:

• Semen Analysis
• Sperm Cryopreservation
• Intrauterine Insemination with an intimate partner or donor sperm

Semen Analysis

Semen Analysis begins by scheduling an appointment for sperm collection.   Men can either collect here at Atlantic Reproductive Medicine or at home, if able to transport the sample to our office within an hour of collection.

Sperm Cryopreservation

The Atlantic Reproductive Medicine Andrology Laboratory offers sperm cryopreservation to our male patients. This is most often done for men who need to be out of town during an insemination or in vitro fertilization cycle. We also offer this service as a way for men to preserve their fertility, most commonly when concerned regarding future exposure or treatment that could decrease sperm counts, such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Atlantic Reproductive performs IUI using partner or donor sperm. Fresh or frozen sperm will be washed and counted the day of your IUI. Washing the sperm prior to insemination avoids irritation of the uterine tissue and improves the chance of successful pregnancy. Washed sperm is placed into the uterus in a process similar to a pap smear. After insemination, women can resume their usual activities.  Sperm washing isolates the moving sperm from the sperm sample.  Therefore,  the number of sperm in the washed sample will be less than the number of sperm in the prewashed sample.  You will have an opportunity to discuss the number of washed sperm and the chance of success with your care provider on the day of insemination.

Donor Sperm

At Atlantic Reproductive, we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.  We accept sperm from the following sperm banks:

• California Cryobank
• Fairfax Cryo Bank
• Xytex Cryo International Sperm Bank
• Cryos International
• The Sperm Bank of California
• NW Cryobank
• Manhattan Cryobank
• Seattle Sperm Bank

To select a sperm donor, you will need to know your blood type and cytomegalovirus (CMV) test result.  If your blood type is Rh negative, you may elect to select a donor who is also Rh negative to avoid the need for injections of RhoGAM during pregnancy.  If you are CMV negative (your test shows that you have not been exposed to CMV), you will need to select a donor who is also CMV negative for insemination.  Sperm from a CMV positive donor can only be used by women who are also CMV positive or who are using in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection.