Understanding infertility treatment
will take a lot of your energy. The tests, procedures, and schedules
require a great deal of juggling to keep the details straight.
During this process, you will likely have questions. Our physicians
and staff members are here to provide answers and explain anything
that seems confusing or unclear. We understand, though, that some
questions may feel difficult to discuss. Review the following
section to find the answers you need.
Collecting a specimen through oral sex poses several problems. The
most significant one is that the specimen can be contaminated with
bacteria from saliva. This can potentially result in an infection or
impairment of the sperm function. The best method of collection for
a sperm sample is with masturbation.
For most men who have had a normal semen analysis, the optimal
abstinence time is two to three days. This means that the male
should not wait longer than three days between ejaculations nor less
than two days between ejaculations. Longer periods of abstinence may
be recommended if there are significant issues with semen volume or
sperm count, but in most cases, longer periods of abstinence lead to
a higher percentage of non-mobile or dead sperm.
As stated before, with normal semen parameters, two to three days of
abstinence is recommended. However, for all men undergoing
evaluation and treatment at Austin IVF, the embryologist will have
previously made a recommendation on optimal days of abstinence based
on their evaluation of semen specimen. As you approach the date of
egg retrieval it is important to ask your physician for the
recommended time of abstinence.
With the many hormonal changes that women undergo during the course
of fertility treatment, this can be a confusing situation. It is not
uncommon to have a heavier vaginal discharge due to the hormones.
The character of the discharge should be similar to normal, but more
abundant. A vaginal discharge that has a foul odor or is thick and
associated with significant discomfort or itching should be
evaluated by your physician.
Absolutely. One of the most significant prognostic factors for a
woman becoming pregnant is whether or not she has ever previously
achieved pregnancy. This is information that can be shared with your
physician in confidence without concern that your partner will be
notified, but it is extremely important information for your
physician to have.
Although masturbation is the preferred method of collection, for
some men this is not morally acceptable or achievable. In this
situation, you should ask your physician for a special collection
condom that is not made of a material that is toxic to sperm and
that does not have spermicide as part of the composition of the
condom. Once the specimen is collected in the sperm collection
device, it can be poured into the collection cup and taken to the
andrology laboratory like any other specimen.
The best method of collection is through masturbation. If there is a
concern that this will not be possible on the day of egg retrieval,
there are two potential options. One would be to have your partner
attempt to collect a specimen at a time days or weeks prior to the
day of egg retrieval for cryopreservation as a backup in case he is
unable to collect a specimen on the day of your retrieval. The other
option is to collect the specimen prior to arrival at the Fertility
Surgery Center using a sperm collection device with intercourse and
to bring the specimen in when you arrive for your procedure.
Absolutely. Typically for pregnancies achieved through in vitro
fertilization, your physician will recommend abstinence until the
time of heartbeat determination. As long as there are no concerns
with the viability of the pregnancy and you are not experiencing
abnormal bleeding or significant cramping, intercourse should be
fine throughout the duration of your pregnancy.
In most cases, oral sex is not prohibited during early pregnancy.
You should be encouraged to discuss this with your physician if you
have any questions about your particular situation.
Specific lubricants are allowed for specimen collection. These need
to be compounds that will not interfere with sperm function or
motility. Our office can provide you with an approved
lubricant. If necessary, your partner is allowed to use a small
amount of mineral or vegetable oil, which will not interfere with
the specimen.
This is a very common issue and it is far more preferable to be
aware of this potential situation before the day of egg retrieval.
You should feel free to share this information with your physician,
one of the IVF nurses, or one of the embryologists. The sooner that
the laboratory is made aware of this, the better. The embryologist
will make arrangements for you to collect a specimen prior to the
day of egg retrieval with cryopreservation as a backup in case
production of the specimen on retrieval day is not possible.
