Semen culture
Semen culture is a microbiological test used to diagnose and treat inflammatory conditions of the male reproductive system.
Semen culture is a microbiological test used to diagnose and treat inflammatory conditions of the male reproductive system.
What is semen culture?
What is semen culture?
In this test, a semen sample is transferred to a suitable culture medium that allows aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria and fungi to grow and multiply.
If their presence is detected (positive culture), an antibiogram is done; it determines to which type of antibiotics the pathogenic microorganisms will react. This allows the physician to introduce an appropriately effective treatment.
About testing
Types of test
Culture for presence of aerobic bacteria
Culture for presence of anaerobic bacteria
Culture for presence of fungi (mycological)
Depending on the type of pathogen to be tested, the semen sample is transferred to a suitable culture medium.
Good to know
Preparation for testing
We recommend semen culture:
- Suspected urogenital infection of unknown origin;
- Leukocytospermia (presence of leukocytes in the semen);
- Expand the diagnostics of male infertility (the presence of bacteria and fungi may result in deterioration of semen parameters, for example motility, morphology, etc.)
The following factors should be considered before proceeding with semen testing:
- Sexual abstinence
One of the key factors that affect the reliability of semen analysis is sexual abstinence, which should be from two to seven days. Both shorter and longer periods of sexual abstinence can affect parameters such as concentration, motility and sperm morphology. In the case of a repeated examination, the patient should maintain the same period of sexual abstinence.
- Stimulants and physical activity
Before semen testing, you should maintain a minimum of two days of alcohol abstinence and also limit excessive physical exertion for at least a day before the test.
No additional studies are required other than observing the standard semen preparation plan.
Semen culture should not be carried out during antibiotic therapy, in which case you should wait a minimum of 14 days after the end of the therapy.
Course of testing
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
We have two semen donation rooms in our clinic. These are located in a secluded part of the corridor, away from where other patients are waiting for their appointments. The room is equipped with a washbasin, a comfortable armchair and a TV with videos to help you donate sperm. The room is lockable from the inside and there is a tag on the door to advise whether the room is free or occupied. The room is communicated with the laboratory by an administration window that is locked from the inside; you leave your material for testing in this window.
In exceptional cases, the material can be delivered to the clinic from home in a container labelled with the patient’s full name and hour of material donation. You must then bring the sample in person to the laboratory no later than 30 minutes after ejaculation. During transport to the laboratory, the semen should not be subjected to shocks or temperature fluctuations (optimum transport temperature is 20-37°C). The transport temperature is most easily controlled by transporting the container in contact with the body, e.g. in a shirt or jacket pocket.
Yes, you can. Please remember that the material must not originate from a condom or intermittent intercourse.
Test price list
Semen culture (for presence of aerobic bacteria and/or fungi) |
PLN 100 |