Bacteria - It's everywhere, and it can help us in many aspects of life. When bacteria finds its way into your semen sample though, its subsequent colonization (aka growth) can kill the very sperm cells that we are looking to report on.
Here are a few tips to help avoid this situation:
Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry your hands and penis immediately prior to collecting your sample. Many of our customers choose to simply hop in the shower beforehand, and that works just as well!
Plan to uncap your specimen container right before you use it, and be careful not to touch the inside of it.
Don't use lubricants, saliva, condoms, or other aids. These can all introduce bacteria that can compromise your sample.
Don't rinse your specimen container. Tap water contains bacteria, and while their presence is safe for drinking, it’s not safe for your sperm cells.
If we can't provide results due to bacteria in your sample, you should also have the opportunity to test again via a complimentary replacement kit. We'll reach out to notify you of this and how to opt into receiving a replacement kit!