TeleTest currently offers lab requisitions for two types of semen analysis: 1) Fertility 2) Post-vasectomy. Please find the collection instructions for both of these procedures listed below.
Semen Analysis Instructions
Sperms are very time and temperature sensitive, so strict adherence to the instructions below is mandatory, or there is a risk of the sample being rejected by the lab.
1. Fertility Testing
Specimen Drop-off : Specimen must be received within one (1) hour of collection by the drop-off location. Not all lab locations perform this testing. Please call the lab to schedule a time, date, and a drop-off location for your specimen. Specimens received without an appointment will be rejected.
Collection Instructions for Seminal Fluid
1. Do not have sex or masturbate for 48 hours before collecting the sample.
2. Abstain from sex or masturbation for no more than seven (7) days.
3. Using only the container provided, produce the specimen by masturbation, collecting the entire ejaculate directly into the container.
- Note: Specimen containers, other than that which is provided, are unacceptable for collection and will be rejected.
- Do not use a sheath/condom or lubricants for collection, as they are harmful to sperm.
- Masturbation is the only acceptable method of collection.
- If a portion of the specimen is lost, the sample should be discarded and collection attempted at a later date using a new kit.
4. Seal the container immediately after specimen collection; make sure that the lid is on properly and tightly.
5. Clearly label the container with your full name and date of birth or health card number.
6. The fertility testing specimen must be kept at body temperature by carrying it close to the body until dropped off at the lab location.
7. Make sure to take the OHIP requisition to the appropriate drop-off location along with the sample.
Note: Not all Lab locations perform this testing. Please call the lab’s Customer Care Centre to schedule a time, date, and a drop-off location for your specimen. Specimens received without an appointment will be rejected. Please find the selected locations here.
Recommended Timing: It is recommended that the first post-vasectomy semen sample be collected after at least 12 ejaculations and 8-16 weeks post-vasectomy.
Collection Instructions for Seminal Fluid
1. Do not have sex or masturbate for 48 hours before collecting the sample.
2. Abstain from sex or masturbation for no more than seven (7) days.
3. Using only the container provided, produce the specimen by masturbation, collecting the entire ejaculate directly into the container.
- Note: Specimen containers, other than that which is provided, are unacceptable for collection and will be rejected.
- Do not use a sheath/condom or lubricants for collection, as they are harmful to sperm.
- Masturbation is the only acceptable method of collection.
- If a portion of the specimen is lost, the sample should be discarded and collection attempted at a later date using a new kit.
4. Seal the container immediately after specimen collection; make sure that the lid is on properly and tightly.
5. Clearly label the container with your full name and date of birth or health card number.
6. The post-vasectomy specimen can be kept at room temperature.
7. Make sure to take the OHIP requisition to the appropriate drop-off location along with the sample.
Note:Unlike for semen analysis for fertility, most lab locations accept these samples. However, since these are temperature-controlled samples, it is ideal to contact the lab, as there might be scheduled collection times. If your chosen lab does not accept the sample for any reason, the lab will direct you to an alternative one. This way, you are aware of what to expect beforehand.
Where can I go for semen analysis for Fertility in Ontario?
Below is a list of LifeLabs and Dynacare locations in Ontario, categorized by region, that accept semen samples for fertility analysis. Please ensure you confirm details and use the appropriate paperwork provided by your healthcare provider.
Greater Toronto Area (GTA):
LifeLabs:
Etobicoke: 100 International Blvd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 6J6
Toronto: 85 The East Mall Unit LF02, Toronto, ON M8Z 5W4
Mississauga:
-3025 Hurontario St #503, Mississauga, ON L5B 3A8
-6560 Kennedy Rd, Mississauga, ON L5T 2X4
Woodbridge: 4600 Hwy 7 Suite 120, Woodbridge, ON L4L 4Y7
Brampton: 36 Vodden St E Unit 200, Brampton, ON L6V 4H4
Dynacare:
Brampton: 10 Cottrelle Blvd #108, Brampton, ON L6S 0E2
Flow Labs:
Downtown Toronto: 790 Bay Street, Suite 935, Toronto, ON M5G 1N8
Maple: 191 McNaughton Road East, Suite 402, Maple, ON L6A 4E2
Mississauga: Inside Reproductive Care Center, 2180 Meadowvale Blvd, Mississauga, ON L5N 5S3
Eastern Ontario:
LifeLabs:
Belleville: 51 Adam St, Belleville, ON K8N 4V8
Dynacare:
Ottawa: 550 Terminal Ave., Ottawa, ON K1G
Flow Labs:
Kingston: Inside Kingston General Hospital, 76 Stuart Street, Kidd 5, Rm 22.5.009, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7
Oshawa: 65 Kenneth Ave, Oshawa, Ontario, ON L1G 5N3
Southwestern Ontario:
LifeLabs:
Oakville: 575 River Glen Blvd, Oakville, ON L6H 6X6
Flow Labs:
London: Inside CReATe Fertility London, 215 Fanshaw Park Road West, #104, London, ON N6G 5A9
Northern Ontario:
LifeLabs:
Sudbury: 65 Larch St, Sudbury, ON P3E 1B8
Thunder Bay: 1040 Oliver Rd #101, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 7A5
NOTE:
*All locations require appointments prior to dropping off samples.
**Please use the correct paperwork to ensure the results are processed and sent to us properly.
***If you do not find a lab listed in your region, please contact a fertility clinic near you. Ensure that if you bring the paperwork for semen analysis, they can arrange the testing and send the results to us.
****FlowLabs does NOT take appointments over the phone or by email. Please register with them online to book an appointment.
Where can I find a list of vasectomy providers in Ontario?
We have a list of vasectomy providers across Ontario, organized by city/region. If you would like to view the full list, please refer below. If you know of a provider not included in this list and would prefer a referral to them, you can notify the doctor during your consultation or email us at support@teletest.dev to have the provider added.
Ancaster
Dr. K.R. Shirpak - Ancaster Vasectomy Clinic
Suite 105, 323 Wilson Street East, Ancaster, ON L9G 4A8
Brantford
Dr. Dan W. Dickson
353 Saint Paul Avenue, Brantford, ON N3R 4N3
Dr. Wilson Leung
99 Wayne Gretzky Pkwy, Brantford, ON N3S 7P1
Gentle Procedures Clinic - Henry Medical Centre
195 Henry St, Unit 05, Brantford, ON N3S 5C9
Burlington
Gentle Procedures Clinic
672 Brant Street, Suite 200, Burlington, ON L7R 2H3
Cambridge
Dr. Lawrence D. Green
350 Conestoga Blvd, Cambridge, ON N1R 7L7
Hamilton
Gentle Procedures Clinic
77 Hunter Street East, Hamilton, ON L8N 1M4
Hawkesbury
Dr. Ronald Weiss
361 Main St East, Hawkesbury, ON K6A 1A8
Kitchener
Dr. Emmanuel Kanu
51 Benton St, Kitchener, ON N2G 3H1
Dr. Sathish Rangaswamy
535 Park Street, Unit 4, Kitchener, ON N2G 1N8
Gentle Procedures Clinic
51 Benton Street, Kitchener, ON N2G 3H1
London
Dr. J. Vladars
Thompson Medical Centre, 130 Thompson Road, London, ON N5Z 2Y6
Dr. Steven Goldie
11 Base Line Road East, Unit 1, London, ON N6C 5Z8
Gentle Procedures Clinic
272 Oxford Street West, London, ON N6H 1S9
Mississauga
Dr. Roland Singh
77 Queensway W, Suite 310, Mississauga, ON L5B 1B7
Newmarket
Dr. Jerome A. Green
16700 Bayview Ave, Suite 218, Newmarket, ON L3X 1W1
Oakville
Dr. Richard Casey
1235 Trafalgar Rd, Suite 407, Oakville, ON L6H 3P1
Dr. Peter Incze
1235 Trafalgar Rd, Suite 412, Oakville, ON L6H 3P1
Ottawa
Dr. Jean-Philippe Bercier
29 Clemow Ave, Ottawa, ON K1S 2B1
Richmond Hill
Dr. Robert Payne
Oak Ridges Medical Centre, 13291 Yonge St, Suite 404, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 4L6
Scarborough
Dr. Hoffard Shiffman
520 Ellesmere Road, Suite 603, Scarborough, ON M1T 0B1
St. Catharines
Gentle Procedures Clinic
261 Martindale Rd, Unit 6, St. Catharines, ON L2W 1A1
Sudbury
Dr. Bora
1760 Regent St, Sudbury, ON P3E 3Z8
Toronto
Central East Urology
Suite 402, 2863 Ellesmere Road, Toronto, ON M1E 5E9
Canadian Men's Clinic
1030 Sheppard Avenue West, Unit 5, Toronto, ON M3H 6C1
Toronto West Urology Associates
2425 Bloor Street West, Suite 501, Toronto, ON M6S 4W4
What is a vasectomy, and how has its technique evolved over the years?
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male sterilization or permanent contraception. Over time, the techniques for vasectomy have become more advanced. In the past, larger incisions and more invasive techniques were used. Today, the procedure often involves smaller incisions or even no incision at all, which can reduce pain and complications.
What kind of anesthesia is used during a vasectomy?
Most of the time, local anesthesia is used for a vasectomy. This means that you're awake, but the area being operated on is numbed so you won't feel pain. For patients who are very anxious or have had previous surgery in the scrotum area, sedation or general anesthesia might be used. General anesthesia means you're fully asleep during the procedure.
What are the main surgical techniques used for vasectomy?
There are two main techniques for a vasectomy. One is the traditional incision method, where a small cut is made in the scrotum to reach the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm). The other is a no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV), where a small puncture hole is made instead of an incision.
What is a no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV), and how does it compare to traditional methods?
A no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) is a technique where the surgeon uses a sharp instrument to puncture the skin and access the vas deferens, rather than making a larger cut. Compared to traditional methods, NSV often results in less pain during and after surgery, fewer complications like bleeding or infection, and a faster recovery time.
What is the risk of complications from a no-scalpel vasectomy compared to a traditional incision vasectomy?
The risk of complications such as bleeding (hematoma), pain, and infection is significantly lower with a no-scalpel vasectomy compared to a traditional incision vasectomy. In fact, the no-scalpel vasectomy has been found to be a faster procedure and is just as effective at preventing pregnancy as the traditional method.
What is 'fascial interposition' during a vasectomy, and why might it be used?
Fascial interposition is a technique used during a vasectomy where a small part of the vas deferens is looped and secured with a stitch. It's used to create a physical barrier between the two cut ends of the vas deferens, preventing them from rejoining. This technique is often used because it increases the likelihood of the vasectomy's success, leading to a higher rate of zero sperm count (azoospermia) at three months after the operation.
What is 'mucosal cautery' in the context of a vasectomy, and how does it compare to other techniques?
Mucosal cautery is a vasectomy technique that uses heat to seal off the inside of the vas deferens. This stops sperm from being able to pass through. When compared to other methods, mucosal cautery is associated with a lower risk of vasectomy failure. This means there's less chance of sperm appearing in the ejaculate after the procedure.
What kind of postoperative care is required after a vasectomy?
After a vasectomy, it's important to take care of the wound and manage any physical discomfort. You'll be given specific instructions about caring for your wound and any necessary restrictions on physical activity. You'll also need to provide a semen sample for laboratory analysis to ensure the vasectomy was successful. This typically happens three months after the operation and you'll need to continue using other forms of contraception until this testing confirms that no motile sperm are present.
How effective is a vasectomy as a form of birth control?
Vasectomy is a very effective form of birth control. Early failure rates are between 0.2-5%, meaning that sperm can still appear in the ejaculate in the first 3-6 months after the procedure in these cases. Late failure rates are even lower, about 0.04-0.08% or approximately 1 out of 2000 cases. However, it's important to remember that effectiveness can be influenced by the surgeon's experience and the technique used.
What is meant by 'early' and 'late' vasectomy failure?
"Early" failure refers to instances where motile (active) sperm are still present in the ejaculate in the first 3-6 months after the procedure. This could be due to a technical failure, like missing the vas deferens during the procedure, or because the vas deferens spontaneously reconnected.
"Late" failure refers to when motile sperm reappear in the ejaculate after initially confirming zero sperm count in two post-vasectomy semen analyses. This happens rarely and is usually first identified when a pregnancy occurs, despite the vasectomy.
What does 'azoospermia' mean, and why is it significant in relation to vasectomies?
Azoospermia means that there are no sperm in a man's semen. It's significant in the context of vasectomies because it's the intended result of the procedure. If a post-vasectomy semen analysis shows azoospermia, it means the vasectomy was successful, and no other forms of contraception are necessary.
What if my semen analysis shows less than 100,000 non-moving sperm per milliliter? Is the vasectomy still successful?
Yes, a semen analysis showing less than 100,000 non-motile (non-moving) sperm per milliliter is still considered a successful vasectomy. Non-motile sperm are unable to fertilize an egg, so their presence in small numbers does not pose a significant risk of causing a pregnancy.
Why should I have a semen analysis three months after a vasectomy?
A semen analysis three months after a vasectomy is recommended to ensure the procedure was successful. The three-month period is typically sufficient time for any remaining sperm to be cleared from the seminal tract. If the analysis confirms zero sperm count or only rare, non-motile sperm, then the vasectomy is deemed successful.
If I see non-motile sperm in my semen a year after vasectomy, should I be concerned?
Not necessarily. Sometimes, rare non-motile sperm can appear in the ejaculate one or more years after a vasectomy. However, these non-motile sperm pose a very low risk of causing a pregnancy. If you're concerned, you should contact your doctor for advice.
What happens if there are motile sperm or a large number of non-motile sperm in my semen after a vasectomy?
If any motile (moving) sperm or a large number of non-motile (non-moving) sperm (>100,000 per ml) are found in your semen after a vasectomy, it could be an indication that the vasectomy was not successful. In this case, your doctor will advise you to continue using other contraceptive methods and a repeat semen analysis may be requested. If these results persist, a repeat vasectomy may be considered.
Does a vasectomy protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
No, a vasectomy doesn't provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It's simply a method of birth control that prevents sperm from being included in the semen. If you're at risk of STIs, you should still use protection, such as condoms, during sexual activity.
Will a vasectomy affect my sexual performance or libido?
A vasectomy should not affect your sexual performance or libido. The procedure only involves the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. It doesn't interfere with the production of male sex hormones or the process of ejaculation, so your sex drive and ability to have an erection should not be affected.
Are vasectomies reversible?
Vasectomies are intended to be a permanent method of birth control, but in some cases, they can be reversed. The reversal procedure involves reconnecting the severed or sealed ends of the vas deferens. However, a successful reversal isn't guaranteed and the procedure can be complex and expensive. Furthermore, even if the reversal procedure is successful, it doesn't necessarily guarantee successful conception. Therefore, a vasectomy should be considered a permanent decision.
