How do I collect a semen specimen myself and preserve it until I can get it to my doctor to be used for artificial insemination?

-- Ruth

Sperm lose their fertilizing capability as time passes between ejaculation and processing for intrauterine insemination. Most studies have shown that as much as 80 percent of that capability may be lost by one hour after ejaculation.

If you need to collect the specimen at home, you can avoid the need to race to the doctor's office by adding a sperm nutrient medium to the specimen container. After the liquid medium is added, the sperm should survive and maintain their capabilities for a few hours if they are kept at room temperature, without exposure to excessive heat or cold. Be sure to get a sterile specimen container designed for sperm collection from your physician. Using containers not designed for the purpose may increase the risk of infection or expose the sperm to the toxic effects of contaminants.