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 IVF.
Producing A Sperm Sample
Please ensure ejaculation occurs 2–5 days before the egg retrieval to ensure the sample is fresh, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
If you live within 90 minutes of TRIO, you may produce your sperm sample at home and bring it to the clinic on the day of retrieval. If you live more than 90 minutes away, or prefer not to produce the sample at home, a private collection room will be available for you at the clinic to produce your sample.
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 retrieval.
Sperm Aspiration Procedure
Sperm aspirations are typically done on the day of the egg retrieval; however, they can also be done in advance of the egg retrieval. Extracted sperm samples can then be frozen for future use or used to fertilize eggs retrieved on the same day.
This procedure typically takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and is done with local anesthesia.
Supporting Your Partner
On the day of your partner’s egg retrieval, please eat breakfast. Unfortunately, you will not be able to stay with them throughout the procedure. However, you will be able to remain in the Recovery Room while they are in the Operating Room.
Once the retrieval is finished, your partner will be taken back to the Recovery Room, where you are encouraged to stay with them until they are discharged by a nurse. If your partner asks for food or a drink, please check with one of the nurses before you give them something to eat or drink.
After the specimen has been collected and the nursing staff has cleared your partner, you may go home.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sperm Providers: Before the Egg Retrieval
Why am I asked to refrain from intercourse or masturbation 48 hours prior to the egg retrieval?
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 of your TRIO clinic (Downtown Toronto or Burlington), you may produce your sperm sample at home and bring it to the clinic on the day of retrieval.
If you live further than 90 minutes away, or prefer to produce your sample at the clinic, a private collection room will be provided for you.
What do I do with the specimen container?
You ejaculate into the container. The IVF embryologists then use the sperm to fertilize the eggs retrieved.
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 retrieval.
Where do I drop off my fresh sample?
You will bring your fresh sperm sample to the front desk receptionist at your TRIO clinic (Downtown Toronto or Burlington) when your partner checks in for their procedure.
Can my sperm aspiration be done at TRIO?
Yes, sperm aspirations can be done at TRIO.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sperm Providers: During the Egg Retrieval
Can I be in the procedure room with my partner during the egg retrieval?
Unfortunately, you will not be able to stay with them throughout the procedure. However, you will be able to remain in the Recovery Room while they are in the Operating Room. Once the retrieval is finished, your partner will be taken back to the Recovery Room, where you are encouraged to stay with them until they are discharged by a nurse.
How long does it take to do the retrieval?
Your partner is in the Operating Room for 20-30 minutes, of which 10 minutes is the actual egg retrieval.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sperm Providers: After the Egg Retrieval
How long do I have to stay after the egg retrieval?
Everyone reacts differently to the medications given before and during the egg retrieval. Patients typically stay in the recovery area for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
When can I have intercourse after the egg retrieval?
You can have intercourse 3 days after the egg retrieval, or later as per your comfort level.
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 retrieval with an update about the progress of your embryos.