Methods of semen collection not based on masturbation or surgical sperm retrieval

Abstract

Although masturbation is the standard method for the collection of a sperm sample, both for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, other approaches have been described and assessed. Production of semen using specially designed condoms has been shown to result in samples with better laboratory characteristics than samples obtained after masturbation or coitus interruptus. However, this has not resulted in a general acceptance and use of this approach, except in special circumstances where masturbation is impossible or unacceptable. Direct retrieval of spermatozoa from morning urine is another method which has been used to study spermache in boys, but not to treat infertility. Sperm production techniques such as vibro- and electrostimulation are dealt with elsewhere, as are surgical retrieval techniques used in azoospermia.