Sperm Analysis Experience - Dean O'Reilly

Sperm Analysis Experience - written by Dean O’Reilly 

When it comes to health, I’ve always thought that it never hurts to know, so when I learned about the services at Thérapie Fertility Clinic in Carrickmines, I decided to give sperm analysis a go.  

Of course, being 25 and being a gay man, I mightn’t be the type of person you think may be interested in their fertility. Certainly, I don’t currently plan to have children, but I was really intrigued to know if biological kids might someday be a possibility for me. 

Understanding my reproductive health feels no different to understanding my broader physical, mental, or sexual health. What’s the harm? 

Arrival and Check-In 

I visited the clinic at Carrickmines, and I was greeted warmly at reception. The check-in process was quick, thanks to the health questionnaire I’d already filled out on their online portal.  

The waiting area was a pleasant surprise. Rather than a typical impersonal space, it had individualised open cubicles with comfortable seating, offering a balance of privacy and openness. There was a selection of complimentary drinks—coffee, tea, and my personal favorite, hot chocolate. Naturally, I helped myself to a cup while I waited. It helped with the cold winter’s day! 

Meeting the Nurse 

Before long, a nurse came out to call me in. She was kind and professional, putting me at ease right away. The consultation began with a discussion of my health questionnaire. The process was straightforward and included questions about my general health, lifestyle, and any medications or habits that might affect fertility. It mirrored the form I’d completed online, so there weren’t any surprises. 

She explained the next steps clearly, which helped ease the jitters I hadn’t realised I had. From here, I was directed to the sample room to, well, do my part. 

Producing the Sample 

Let’s talk about the sample room. It was set up to maximise comfort and dignity, with a large, plush chair, a sink, and a TV.  

Yes. Before you wonder to yourself or ask the question, it did feel weird. It is strange to know that everyone who is aware you’re in that room knows that you are…producing a sample. But, hey, it was just another task in the day to get through. 

I won’t lie—there was some nervousness about hitting the target. There’s no graceful way to admit that, but, these things happen!  

The Analysis Lab 

Once I had my sample, I was instructed to take it to the analysis lab. Here, I placed the sample in a small hatch for the lab team to collect. A phone mounted on the wall allowed me to confirm my details with the embryologist. It was a simple process, though I had a moment of confusion trying to work the phone. For a brief, hilarious moment, the embryologist and I resorted to mouthing words through the glass hatch before I figured it out. We shared a laugh about it. 

Fast Results and Surprising Findings 

What impressed me most was how quickly the results were processed. Within three hours, I received a notification that they were available on the online portal. Thérapie Fertility doesn’t leave you guessing; the report was detailed and easy to access. However, I was a little puzzled by the findings: my sample was classified as asthenoteratozoospermic. This meant there were slight deviations in sperm motility and morphology compared to typical standards. 

Curious and slightly concerned, I reached out to the clinic via the portal’s messaging system. Their team responded promptly, breaking down the results in plain terms. They explained that sperm production is a continuous process that takes just under three months and that it’s common to see fluctuations in sperm parameters. Factors like health, lifestyle, and even temporary disruptions can affect results. 

The advice? Maintain a healthy lifestyle: eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking, limit alcohol intake, exercise regularly, and stay away from recreational drugs and steroids. They also recommended avoiding extreme heat (sauna lovers, take note!) and suggested a repeat test in three months to confirm the findings. 

They reassured me that, while these variations may make natural conception trickier (but not at all impossible!), they likely would not affect any IVF treatments or forms of conception that would (usually) be in the cards for a guy like me. 

Final Thoughts and Recommendations 

As I left the clinic, I grabbed another hot chocolate—it felt like a fitting way to round off the experience. Reflecting on the day, I was impressed by how seamless and professional the process was from start to finish. The team at Thérapie Fertility clearly prioritises comfort, respect, and efficiency. Even moments that could have felt awkward were handled with care and good humor. 

For anyone considering a sperm analysis, whether you’re planning a family or simply curious about your reproductive health, I can’t recommend it enough. The insights are invaluable, and the experience at Thérapie Fertility makes it accessible and stress-free. Proactively understanding your health is empowering, and with clinics like this, the process is a lot less daunting than you might think. Plus, who doesn’t love free hot chocolate?