When you’re preparing for intrauterine insemination (IUI), one of the most important steps is making sure your sperm sample is as healthy and high-quality as possible. But getting a good sample isn’t just about what you do on collection day—it’s actually influenced by your lifestyle and how you prepare for the sperm collection.
This article will walk you through some easy, practical tips to help you get the best sperm sample for your IUI treatment.
What steps should you take to prepare for obtaining the best sperm sample for IUI?
Getting a healthy sperm sample is an important step in improving your chances with IUI. Here are some simple but effective tips to help you prepare:
Abstain from ejaculation for 2 to 5 days before your IUI appointment:
This rest period helps balance sperm count and movement. If you ejaculate too often, it can lower your sperm volume and concentration.
However, waiting for too long can also reduce sperm motility, so finding the right balance is important.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco consumption:
These substances can harm sperm quality, so it’s best to cut back or stop using them several weeks before your IUI cycle.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle:
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports sperm production. Nutrients like zinc, selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin E act as antioxidants that can protect sperm health.
Keep testicular temperature down:
Avoid hot tubs, saunas, or electric blankets before your sample collection. It’s because high heat can reduce sperm motility and function.
Wear loose-fitting underwear and avoid tight pants:
Keeping the area around your testicle cool helps with healthy sperm development.
Get enough sleep and manage stress:
Rest and relaxation support hormonal balance, which is important for optimal sperm production.
Following these steps can help improve the quality of your sperm sample, giving your IUI treatment the best possible start. If you have questions about preparation, be sure to discuss them with your fertility specialist.
Steps to collect the best sperm sample
Collecting your sperm sample properly is important for accurate fertility testing and a successful IUI procedure. Depending on your clinic’s guidance, sperm can be collected either at home or in the clinic. Here’s what you need to know for each method:
Instructions for at-home vs. in-clinic collection
At-home collection:
You can only collect the sample at home if your clinic has approved it, and you can deliver it to the clinic within 60 minutes.
Use the sterile collection cup provided by your clinic–don’t use any household containers.
Wash your hands and genitals well before collecting the sample to lower the risk of contamination.
Keep the sample close to your body to maintain body temperature during transport (for example, in your shirt pocket or underarm). Do not refrigerate or expose it to extreme heat.
Label the container clearly with your name, date, and time of collection before handing it over to the clinic.
In-clinic collection
You’ll receive a sterile, labelled container at the clinic.
Collection is done through masturbation in a private room provided by the clinic for your comfort and privacy.
Do not use lubricants unless your clinic gives you sperm-safe ones. Many lubricants can harm sperm.
It’s important to collect the entire ejaculate, especially the first part, which contains the highest concentration of sperm.
If you have any questions about the collection process, talk to your fertility specialist for personalised guidance.
Allowing the sample to liquefy before processing
Right after ejaculation, semen is thick and gel-like in texture. It naturally needs time to change to a more liquid form, a process called liquefaction, that usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature.
This liquefaction is important because it frees the sperm, allowing them to move more easily and enabling accurate assessment and preparation of the sample. If the sample is too cold or not allowed enough time to liquefy, it may remain thick and clumpy, making washing and analysis more difficult.
Your fertility specialist will make sure that the semen is fully liquefied before starting any testing or processing. This step helps ensure the best possible evaluation and treatment outcomes.
How to transport the sperm sample to the clinic safely?
If you’re collecting your sperm sample at home, it’s important to bring it to the clinic carefully to keep it in the best condition. Here are some tips to help:
Try to deliver the sample to the clinic within 60 minutes of ejaculation.
Keep the container upright and secure during transport to avoid spills or damage.
Maintain the sample’s temperature by carrying it close to your body—like in an inside pocket—so it stays near body temperature.
Do not refrigerate or expose the sample to heat, as extreme temperatures can harm sperm health.
Avoid shaking, jostling, or sudden movements that could affect the sample quality.
Upon your arrival at the clinic, please promptly notify the staff and provide the sample directly to a team member.
These procedures will help you keep your sample fresh and suitable for testing or treatment.
For more information on how to get the best sperm sample for IUI and to receive advice tailored to your fertility journey, consider speaking with a fertility specialist. You may contact Thomson Medical to arrange a consultation for personalised guidance on sperm preparation and fertility care.
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What are some factors that influence sperm quality?
Numerous lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and health conditions can significantly impact sperm quality. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions to support your fertility:
Age:
Sperm quality tends to gradually decline as men get older, especially after age 40.
Smoking:
Smoking lowers sperm count and movement and can cause damage to sperm DNA.
Alcohol and recreational drugs:
These substances may disrupt hormone balance and reduce sperm production.
Obesity:
Excess weight can change hormone levels and negatively impact sperm health.
Fever or illness:
High body temperature or illness can temporarily lower sperm production, sometimes lasting 2 to 3 months.
Tight clothing and heat exposure:
Wearing tight underwear or frequent use of hot tubs and saunas can raise scrotal temperature, which affects sperm development.
Exposure to toxins:
Chemicals like pesticides, industrial pollutants, and radiation can harm sperm quality.
Certain medications:
Some drugs–including anabolic steroids, testosterone therapy, chemotherapy, and specific antibiotics–may affect fertility.
By being aware of these factors, you can take steps to protect and improve your reproductive health. If you have concerns, your healthcare provider can offer personalised advice.
What happens after collection?
Once your sperm sample is collected and has liquefied, it is taken to the laboratory for processing. In the lab, the sample undergoes a procedure called sperm washing. This process separates healthy, moving sperm from the seminal fluid, non-moving sperm, and other debris.
The lab then concentrates the best quality sperm–those that are most motile and have a normal shape–into a smaller volume. This specially prepared sample is what will be used for your IUI procedure.
During IUI, the doctor puts the cleaned sperm right into your womb. They do this close to when you’re ovulating. This timing gives you the best chance for the sperm to meet your egg in the fallopian tube and start a pregnancy.
From the moment of collection to insemination, the entire process usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
FAQ
What not to do before giving a sperm sample?
Avoid ejaculating within 48 hours of your appointment unless your doctor says otherwise.
Refrain from alcohol and tobacco for several days before collection.
Don’t use lubricants when collecting your sperm sample, unless they’re approved as sperm-friendly.
Avoid hot baths, jacuzzis, and tight underwear for 2 to 3 days before collection.
Deliver the sample promptly if collecting at home–ideally within 30 to 60 minutes.
How long does it take for sperm to build back up after ejaculating?
Sperm production is continuous, but it usually takes 24 to 48 hours for sperm count to return to normal after ejaculation. The best sperm count and movement are generally seen after 2 to 5 days of abstinence.
Waiting longer than 7 days may result in an increased sperm count, but it also reduces motility and increases DNA damage. In some men, daily ejaculation can reduce count slightly but improve sperm quality.
What are the signs of good-quality sperm?
Good sperm exhibit strong movement, have a normal shape, and possess healthy DNA, all of which support fertilisation and embryo development. Key indicators of healthy sperm include:
Semen volume of at least 1.5 mL per ejaculate
Sperm concentration of at least 15 million sperm per mL
Over 40% of sperm are actively moving
At least 4% of sperm having a normal shape (according to WHO criteria)
A high percentage of live (viable) sperm
Low DNA fragmentation
What should I eat before a sperm sample?
You don’t need a special meal right before collection, but eating a fertility-supportive diet in the days or weeks beforehand is helpful:
Plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
Whole grains for steady energy and hormone support
Lean proteins like fish, chicken, beans, and lentils
Healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts
Zinc and selenium sources like oysters and pumpkin seeds
Folate-rich foods including spinach, broccoli, and fortified grains
Drink plenty of water and avoid high-sugar, fried, or heavily processed foods.
How long is a sperm sample useful for IUI?
A sperm sample is most effective when processed and used promptly. Fresh, unwashed sperm should be processed within 30-60 minutes of collection. After washing, washed sperm should be used within 1-2 hours for best viability.
Washed sperm can survive inside the womb for 6 to 24 hours, but fertilisation is most likely to occur within the first 6-12 hours post-insemination. Timing insemination close to ovulation is key to increasing the chances of conception.
The information provided is for general guidance only and should not be considered as medical advice. For a personalised fertility consultation and tailored advice, schedule an appointment with Thomson Fertility Centre today.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Fertility Centre
- Paragon: 6252 7766
Thomson Specialists (Women's Health)
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