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Laboratory Services |
Physician Services |
Support Services |
Lab Procedure Information
West Houston Fertility Center provides comprehensive services related to male factor fertility. Services are described below.
Laboratory Services
The West Houston Fertility Center provides high quality semen analyses to physicians in the West Houston community. As laboratory director, Wan-Song Wun, Ph.D., reviews all laboratory results and is responsible for assuring that the lab test ordered is appropriate to meet clinical expectations.
Physician Services
Urologist appointments are available through Memorial Urology Associates.
Reproductive endocrinologists are available by appointment through Fertility Specialists of Houston.
Support Services
Both laboratory services and physician evaluation are used to identify reversible causes for male infertility. The goal of therapy is to promote conception through natural means (intercourse) or intrauterine insemination. Patients requiring further assistance with fertilization will be identified early during evaluation. Reproductive endocrinologists work closely with the center and offer in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.
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Lab Procedure Information
- Semen Analysis
A well-standardized semen analysis is critical to the proper evaluation of the infertile male. Unlike many laboratory tests, the semen analysis cannot be performed with automated equipment. The quality of the semen analysis relies therefore on meticulous methods of analysis and the commitment and training of the personnel. The West Houston Fertility Center, Ltd., is dedicated to providing high quality semen analysis and is graded biannually against national standards. Quality control is rigorously performed every day of specimen processing.
Basic semen analysis is available Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or after hours by special request.
Please print, read, and complete the semen test requisition form [PDF] before stopping in at the lab. Test preparation instructions are included in the form. [Need help opening/printing form?]
- Sperm processing for intrauterine insemination (sperm wash)
Artificial insemination is a form of assisted reproduction in which the partner's sperm or a donor's sperm is injected directly into the uterine cavity. During intercourse, sperm is naturally separated from the seminal fluid (watery part of the ejaculate) by the cervical mucus. Since the intrauterine injection bypasses this step, sperm processing is mandatory prior to injecting sperm into the uterus. We work closely with your gynecologist to coordinate the sperm wash at the time of ovulation.
The West Houston Fertility Center, Ltd., participates in donor sperm insemination using banked sperm. National laboratories specializing in sperm banking and distribution provide donor male profiles according to physical characteristics. The West Houston Fertility Center's clinical coordinator can assist you in choosing a suitable sperm bank and a donor sperm specimen.
- Cryopreservation of sperm (sperm banking)
Sperm freezing is performed for a variety of reasons including vasectomy reversal, planned cancer treatment, and problems with ejaculation. Frozen sperm can be used for both intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization. The West Houston Fertility Center's clinical coordinator can assist you in making arrangements for sperm banking.
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