{"product_id":"semen-culture-sensitivity-test","title":"Semen Culture \u0026 Sensitivity Test","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-listing-container\"\u003e\n    \u003cstyle\u003e\n        .product-listing-container { font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; color: #333; background-color: #fff; max-width: 100%; overflow: hidden; }\n        .product-listing-container * { box-sizing: border-box; }\n        .product-listing-container .product-description { margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8; }\n        \n        .product-listing-container .hero-section { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #2c7a7b 0%, #285e61 100%); color: white; padding: 30px; border-radius: 12px; margin: 20px 0; text-align: center; }\n        .product-listing-container .hero-section h2 { margin: 0 0 10px 0; font-size: 24px; }\n        .product-listing-container .hero-section p { margin: 0; opacity: 0.95; font-size: 16px; }\n        \n        .product-listing-container .info-card { padding: 20px; margin: 15px 0; border-radius: 8px; }\n        .product-listing-container .info-card.important { background-color: #fefce8; border: 2px solid #eab308; }\n        .product-listing-container .info-card.important p { color: #854d0e; margin: 0; }\n\n        .product-listing-container .disclaimer-section { background-color: #f8fafc; border-left: 4px solid #2c7a7b; padding: 20px; margin: 20px 0; border-radius: 4px; }\n        .product-listing-container .disclaimer-section h3 { color: #2c7a7b; font-size: 18px; margin: 0 0 15px 0; }\n        \n        .product-listing-container input[type=\"checkbox\"] { display: none; }\n        .product-listing-container .main-section { margin: 20px 0; border: 1px solid #e2e8f0; border-radius: 6px; overflow: hidden; }\n        .product-listing-container .main-section-header { background-color: #2c7a7b; color: white; padding: 18px 20px; cursor: pointer; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; user-select: none; }\n        .product-listing-container .main-section-title { font-size: 18px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0; flex: 1; }\n        .product-listing-container .main-dropdown-icon { transition: transform 0.3s ease; }\n        .product-listing-container .main-section-content { max-height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s ease; }\n        .product-listing-container input[type=\"checkbox\"]:checked + .main-section .main-section-content { max-height: 80000px; }\n        .product-listing-container input[type=\"checkbox\"]:checked + .main-section .main-dropdown-icon { transform: rotate(180deg); }\n        .product-listing-container .main-section-inner { padding: 20px; }\n\n        .product-listing-container .symptoms-box { background-color: #f8fafc; border: 1px solid #e2e8f0; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px; margin: 20px 0; }\n        .product-listing-container .symptoms-box h4 { color: #2c7a7b; margin: 0 0 15px 0; font-size: 17px; }\n        .product-listing-container .symptoms-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(200px, 1fr)); gap: 12px; }\n        .product-listing-container .symptom-item { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; padding: 10px 15px; background-color: white; border: 1px solid #e2e8f0; border-radius: 6px; }\n        .product-listing-container .symptom-item .symptom-icon { font-size: 18px; }\n        .product-listing-container .symptom-item span { color: #4a5568; font-size: 14px; }\n\n        .product-listing-container .bacteria-box { background-color: #f8fafc; border: 1px solid #e2e8f0; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px; margin: 20px 0; }\n        .product-listing-container .bacteria-box h4 { color: #2c7a7b; margin: 0 0 15px 0; font-size: 17px; }\n        .product-listing-container .bacteria-list { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px; }\n        .product-listing-container .bacteria-tag { background-color: #e0f2fe; color: #0369a1; padding: 6px 12px; border-radius: 20px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 500; }\n    \u003c\/style\u003e\n\n    \u003c!-- Hero Section --\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"hero-section\"\u003e\n        \u003ch2\u003eSemen Culture\u003c\/h2\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eIdentify bacterial infections in the reproductive tract\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003c!-- Section 1: Product Description --\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"product-description\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eA semen culture test identifies bacterial infections in the male reproductive tract that may be causing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or discharge—or that could be affecting fertility. The test cultures your semen sample to detect and identify any bacterial species present, helping guide appropriate antibiotic treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \n        \u003cp\u003eThis test is particularly useful when standard STI tests (chlamydia, gonorrhoea) have come back negative but symptoms persist, or when investigating unexplained male infertility. Infections in the reproductive tract can affect sperm quality and function, so identifying and treating them is an important step in fertility assessment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003c!-- Symptoms Box --\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"symptoms-box\"\u003e\n        \u003ch4\u003e🩺 Common Reasons for Testing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"symptoms-grid\"\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"symptom-item\"\u003e\n                \u003cspan class=\"symptom-icon\"\u003e⚠️\u003c\/span\u003e\n                \u003cspan\u003ePain or discomfort in testicles\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"symptom-item\"\u003e\n                \u003cspan class=\"symptom-icon\"\u003e⚠️\u003c\/span\u003e\n                \u003cspan\u003eBurning during urination\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"symptom-item\"\u003e\n                \u003cspan class=\"symptom-icon\"\u003e⚠️\u003c\/span\u003e\n                \u003cspan\u003eUnusual discharge\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"symptom-item\"\u003e\n                \u003cspan class=\"symptom-icon\"\u003e⚠️\u003c\/span\u003e\n                \u003cspan\u003ePain during ejaculation\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"symptom-item\"\u003e\n                \u003cspan class=\"symptom-icon\"\u003e⚠️\u003c\/span\u003e\n                \u003cspan\u003eSuspected prostatitis\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"symptom-item\"\u003e\n                \u003cspan class=\"symptom-icon\"\u003e⚠️\u003c\/span\u003e\n                \u003cspan\u003eSuspected epididymitis\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"symptom-item\"\u003e\n                \u003cspan class=\"symptom-icon\"\u003e⚠️\u003c\/span\u003e\n                \u003cspan\u003eNegative STI tests but symptoms persist\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"symptom-item\"\u003e\n                \u003cspan class=\"symptom-icon\"\u003e⚠️\u003c\/span\u003e\n                \u003cspan\u003eUnexplained infertility investigation\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"info-card important\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⚠️ Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you suspect a sexually transmitted infection (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, etc.), specific STI tests are more appropriate as a first step. Semen culture is best used when STI tests are negative but infection is still suspected, or to identify non-STI bacteria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003c!-- What We Test For --\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bacteria-box\"\u003e\n        \u003ch4\u003e🔬 What This Test Detects\u003c\/h4\u003e\n        \u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; color: #4a5568;\"\u003eThe culture will grow and identify a wide range of bacterial species that may be infecting your reproductive tract, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"bacteria-list\"\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"bacteria-tag\"\u003eE. coli\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"bacteria-tag\"\u003eEnterococcus\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"bacteria-tag\"\u003eStaphylococcus\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"bacteria-tag\"\u003eStreptococcus\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"bacteria-tag\"\u003eKlebsiella\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"bacteria-tag\"\u003ePseudomonas\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"bacteria-tag\"\u003eProteus\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"bacteria-tag\"\u003eUreaplasma\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"bacteria-tag\"\u003eMycoplasma\u003c\/span\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"bacteria-tag\"\u003eOther aerobic bacteria\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cp style=\"margin-top: 15px; color: #64748b; font-size: 14px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e This test is not designed to detect viruses (e.g., HIV, herpes) or specific STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea—separate tests are required for these.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003c!-- Preparation --\u003e\n    \u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"sc-prep-toggle\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"main-section\"\u003e\n        \u003clabel for=\"sc-prep-toggle\" class=\"main-section-header\"\u003e\n            \u003ch2 class=\"main-section-title\"\u003eHow to Prepare\u003c\/h2\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"main-dropdown-icon\"\u003e▼\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003c\/label\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"main-section-content\"\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"main-section-inner\"\u003e\n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAntibiotics:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                \n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHygiene:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                \n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo lubricants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Do not use any lubricants, saliva, or condoms during sample collection as these can introduce contamination or contain antibacterial agents that affect the culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                \n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbstinence:\u003c\/strong\u003e While not strictly required for culture tests, abstaining from ejaculation for 2–3 days before your test may help ensure an adequate sample volume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                \n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollect everything:\u003c\/strong\u003e Collect the entire ejaculate directly into the sterile container provided. Do not touch the inside of the container.\u003c\/p\u003e\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003c!-- FAQs --\u003e\n    \u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"sc-faq-toggle\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"main-section\"\u003e\n        \u003clabel for=\"sc-faq-toggle\" class=\"main-section-header\"\u003e\n            \u003ch2 class=\"main-section-title\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"main-dropdown-icon\"\u003e▼\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003c\/label\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"main-section-content\"\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"main-section-inner\"\u003e\n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does semen culture work?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n                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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                \n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat if bacteria are found?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n                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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                \n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat if the result is negative?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n                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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                \n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan infections affect fertility?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n                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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                \n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this test the same as an STI test?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n                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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                \n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I produce my sample at home?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n                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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003c!-- Disclaimer --\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"disclaimer-section\"\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eImportant Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eThis test provides laboratory results only—not a medical diagnosis or treatment. If bacteria are detected, you will need to see your GP or a urologist who can prescribe appropriate antibiotic treatment based on the specific bacteria identified and their antibiotic sensitivities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eA negative culture result does not rule out all causes of your symptoms. Some infections may require different testing methods, and non-infectious conditions can cause similar symptoms. If symptoms persist despite a negative result, please consult your GP for further investigation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Medi Test Direct","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61389811286346,"sku":"TDL(SPCU)","price":80.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0944\/5926\/5354\/files\/semen_culture_sensitivity_test_box_1.png?v=1774032487","url":"https:\/\/meditestdirect.co.uk\/products\/semen-culture-sensitivity-test","provider":"Medi Test Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}