Semen Culture & Sensitivity Test

Antibiotics: Do not take antibiotics for at least 7 days before your test. Antibiotics can kill bacteria and lead to a false negative result. If you've recently finished a course of antibiotics, wait at least one week before testing.

Hygiene: Thoroughly wash your hands and genitals with warm soapy water before producing your sample. This is essential to avoid contaminating the sample with skin bacteria, which could lead to misleading results.

No lubricants: Do not use any lubricants, saliva, or condoms during sample collection as these can introduce contamination or contain antibacterial agents that affect the culture.

Abstinence: While not strictly required for culture tests, abstaining from ejaculation for 2–3 days before your test may help ensure an adequate sample volume.

Collect everything: Collect the entire ejaculate directly into the sterile container provided. Do not touch the inside of the container.

How does semen culture work?
A small amount of your semen is placed on culture plates containing growth medium. These are incubated in the laboratory for several days. Any bacteria present will grow into colonies, which are then identified under a microscope and with biochemical tests.

What if bacteria are found?
If pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria are identified, you should see your GP who can prescribe appropriate antibiotic treatment. The culture report may include antibiotic sensitivity testing, showing which antibiotics will be most effective.

What if the result is negative?
A negative result means no significant bacterial growth was detected. If you still have symptoms, your GP may recommend other investigations such as urine tests, prostate examination, or imaging studies.

Can infections affect fertility?
Yes. Reproductive tract infections can cause inflammation that affects sperm quality, blocks sperm transport, or creates an environment hostile to sperm. Treating infections can improve fertility outcomes.

Is this test the same as an STI test?
No. Semen culture detects a broad range of bacteria but is not optimised for specific STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhoea, which require PCR-based testing. If you suspect an STI, specific STI tests should be done first.

Can I produce my sample at home?
No. For accurate culture results, the sample must be produced on-site at the laboratory using sterile equipment and processed promptly to ensure any bacteria present remain viable for culture.