Investigations for Men

The Regional Fertility Program provides complete services for the diagnosis of male fertility disorders. The investigation of male fertility always begins with a complete semen analysis. Specialized testing for abnormalities of the sperm parameters is ordered when indicated including genetic testing for abnormal male karyotypes and Y chromosome microdeletions.

The Diagnostic Semen Laboratory (DSL) provides specialized services related to the evaluation and treatment of male fertility. The DSL is accredited and inspected by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta as well as by Health Canada. The DSL provides the following services:

Complete semen analysis
Immunological testing for antisperm antibodies
Sperm washing for Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Cryopreservation of sperm when required for:
- Surgically retrieved sperm samples (PESA, MESA, and microTESE)
- Vibrostimulation and electroejaculation sperm samples
- Fertility preservation for adolescents and men undergoing fertility damaging treatments for cancer and other medical conditions
- Fertility preservation for transgender individuals wishing to freeze sperm
Storage and processing of frozen Donor Sperm
Male karyotype testing
Y-chromosome microdeletions

For further information regarding semen analysis, please check out our frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)

To Schedule an Appointment

All requests for testing and treatments, including semen analysis, are by appointment only. Please be advised we require 24 hours’ notice for any changes or cancellations to your appointment or a late cancellation charge of $75.00 will be incurred. We can be reached directly at (403) 284-9410 .

*Note: Due to the processing time for semen analysis, appointments are scheduled between 08:00 and 11:00 a.m. Monday – Friday excluding statutory holidays.

If you have been advised by your physician to have a semen analysis, please book your appointment by:

calling the Diagnostic Semen Laboratory (DSL) at (403) 284-9410, or
making your appointment in person with the receptionist at the DSL.

We are providing patients the option to produce their sample at home if they live in Calgary. Please ensure to pick up a STERILE SPECIMEN CONTAINER from our clinic or at a Alberta Precision Laboratory if you wish to produce at home. When producing the sample please wash your hands and DO NOT use lubricants. The sample should be produced no later then 40 mins prior to your appointment time. Please ensure to keep the sample warm (ex. inside a coat pocket) on your trip into the clinic.

When you undergo treatment at the RFP your appointments will be pre-arranged by the nursing staff. IVF/ICSI and intrauterine insemination (IUI) samples are collected the day of the procedure. Please note that patients providing samples for treatment procedures must present government issued I.D. (with photo and signature) at the time of collection. A requisition is not required for RFP treatment patients. The semen sample cannot be accepted without proper identification.

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What to Bring?

Please bring your provincial health care card, government issued picture I.D., Laboratory Requisition (PAPER COPY AS WE CANNOT ACCEPT PHOTOS OR EMAIL REQUISITIONS) and please ensure 2-5 days of sexual abstinence prior to your appointment. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR LABORATORY REQUISITON FROM YOUR FAMILY PHYSICIAN OR WALK IN CLINIC, YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO REBOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT AT A LATER DATE.

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