Masturbation

Most treatments and tests will require that you provide a sperm sample. This means that you’ll be required to masturbate at the fertility clinic. You should have two to three days of abstinence (no ejaculation) prior to the test. Not more and not less. Masturbation for sperm retrieval is not really all that different from the other times you may have masturbated. It will require you to stimulate your penis until you ejaculate into a cup. The difference is in the context: you’ll be at a fertility clinic instead of in the comforts of your own home.

If the idea of having to masturbate “on demand” and at a fertility clinic feels awkward, or if you’re looking for ways to make this an easier process, check out our tips below.

Tips and tricks for masturbation

• Use the clinic’s Wi-Fi to choose your own pornography. Sometimes the resources provided at the office are not suited to your preferences. By selecting the type of material or images that stimulate you, it can make it easier to provide a sample.
• Ask if your partner can come into the room with you. Having a helping hand may make the process feel like a team effort. Make sure that the sperm sample does not come into contact with bodily fluid from your partner, since this can contaminate the sample.
• Ask if you can take the cup home. If you live nearby, you may be able to provide your sperm sample at home. You will need to bring the sample to the clinic within 1 hour and keep it at body temperature while you’re getting it there. You can do this by holding the cup under your armpit or putting it in between your legs during the trip to the clinic. (It will be close to home in more ways than one!)
• If at first you don’t succeed, try again. If you are still having problems providing a sperm sample, you can ask if you can come to the clinic before the day it is needed. The clinic can then freeze the sperm. Knowing that you have a couple of chances can help reduce your anxiety and make it easier for you to provide a sperm sample.
• If you still are not able to provide a sperm sample, there are some other methods for retrieving sperm. These methods are also necessary if you have a medical condition that makes it difficult or impossible to masturbate.
• Some people might find that this practice conflicts with their religion or cultural values: Consult with your religious leader or other spiritual resources to better understand your options.