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Retrograde ejaculation - Instructions for Patients

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As a result of retrograde ejaculation, some men ejaculate ‘backwards’ into the bladder and must urinate to release the semen (which contains the sperm). In such cases, the semen must be taken out of the urine to recover the sperm as soon as possible after the sample has been provided. Sperm can quickly be killed after spending more than a few minutes in the acidic environment of the bladder. In order to help reduce the acidity of your urine at the time of your test we ask you to carry out the following procedure.

Retrograde ejaculation procedure for patients

Before your appointment you should already have:

  1. The evening before your appointment mix 1 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate powder in a half pint of water or juice, stir until it dissolves and drink.
  2. Eat and drink normally at breakfast.
  3. Prepare a second sodium bicarbonate solution as described above and drink this one hour before your appointment time.

On arrival at Cambridge IVF:

  1. A member of the laboratory team will meet you and complete the necessary paperwork.
  2. You will be shown to a patient toilet and asked to empty your bladder fully.
  3. After emptying your bladder you will be shown to a comfortable private room and provided with 2 sample collection containers.
  4. Masturbate to orgasm and collect any ejaculate into one of the containers.
  5. If at ejaculation you produce any semen, collect this separately into the first container, as this is more likely to contain some sperm.
  6. Urinate immediately into the second container.
  7. Place the containers in the hatch as instructed in the room.

It is important that we are able to analyse the sample as soon as possible after you have provided it so make sure you pass the sample through the hatch to the lab as soon as you can after you have collected it.

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Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the hospital campus. For advice and support in quitting, contact your GP or the free NHS stop smoking helpline on 0800 169 0 169.

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Cambridge University Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust
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CB2 0QQ

Telephone +44 (0)1223 245151
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/contact-us/contact-enquiries/