There are various ways to obtain a sperm sample. These include ejaculation, thawing frozen samples, and sperm aspiration procedures. The following information will help guide you through the process of sperm collection for egg thaw and IVF.
Producing A Sperm Sample
Please refrain from intercourse or masturbation for 48 hours prior to the egg thaw date to ensure that your sperm count is at its optimum level.
If you live within 90 minutes from TRIO (655 Bay Street, Toronto), you can produce your sample at home. If you live further than 90 minutes from TRIO, you will be provided with a private room within the clinic to produce your sample by masturbation.
One of our staff will provide you with a sterile container. We ask that you urinate and wash your hands prior to producing the specimen and wash your hands after producing the specimen. Please be careful not to touch the inside of the container or lid with your hand or penis. The inside of the container is sterile. The specimen should be collected by masturbation. Do not collect the specimen into a condom, unless it is a special non-toxic condom prescribed by your TRIO physician. Do not use lubrication, unless it is the “sperm-friendly” type, which can be picked up at the clinic. Once the sample is produced and collected in the sterile container, please keep the container at body temperature by placing the sample container against your skin, either under your armpit or against your stomach held in place by your pant line.
Sperm Washing
The sperm sample will be “washed” to remove impurities and isolate the most potent, highest quality sperm to be placed directly into the uterus. This process removes dead sperm and cellular debris. This helps protect living sperm within the sample and creates a higher probability of fertilization.
Thawing Frozen Sperm
Frozen sperm samples will be thawed on the morning of the egg thaw.
Sperm Aspiration Procedure
Sperm aspirations are typically done on the day of the egg thaw; however, they can also be done in advance of the egg thaw. Extracted sperm samples can then be frozen for future use or used to fertilize eggs thawed on the same day.
This procedure typically takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and is done with local anesthesia.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sperm Providers: Before the Egg Thaw
Why am I asked to refrain from intercourse or masturbation 48 hours prior to the egg thaw?
This helps ensure that your sperm count is optimal.
Can I have alcohol leading up to the sperm collection?
Please refrain from consuming alcohol for 3 days prior to your sperm collection.
How should I prepare to produce my sperm sample?
Make sure to eat breakfast on the morning of your sample production.
Where do I produce my sperm sample?
If you live within 90 minutes from TRIO (655 Bay Street, Toronto), you can produce your sample at home.
If you live further than 90 minutes from TRIO, you will be provided with a private room within the clinic to produce your sample.
What do I do with the specimen container?
You ejaculate into the container. The IVF embryologists then use the sperm to fertilize the eggs.
How do I keep my fresh sperm sample at body temperature once it is produced?
Place the sample container against your skin, either under your armpit or against your stomach held in place by your pant line.
I’m using frozen sperm. When will it be thawed?
Frozen sperm will be thawed on the morning of the egg thaw.
Where do I drop off my fresh sample?
You will deliver your fresh sample to the Front Desk receptionist on the 18th floor of TRIO’s downtown clinic (655 Bay St., Toronto) at your scheduled time.
Can my sperm aspiration be done at TRIO?
Yes, sperm aspirations can be done at TRIO.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sperm Providers: Embryo Updates
When do I get a call about my embryos?
The IVF lab assesses embryos daily and gives the nurses a report. One of the OR nurses will call you or your partner (if you have one) on the day after your egg thaw with an update about the progress of your embryos.