Some fertility clinics require you to obtain a semen sample on the premises. However, if you live fairly close to your clinic, you might be able to obtain the specimen in the privacy of your bedroom. I was so relieved that this was an option for us. While it is helpful for a man to be able to “take care of business” at home, it does create an interesting dilemma – how to transport the specimen over to the clinic.
Here are things to remember if you find yourself in the awkward position of transporting specimens to the clinic:
1. Make sure you can get the specimen to the clinic within 30 minutes.
My fertility doctors told me that the specimen needs to sit for 30 minutes before testing or sperm-washing can be performed. So, it is okay for those 30 minutes to be spent in transit. If you live in an area with heavy traffic and cannot be sure you will get the specimen to the clinic within 30 minutes, you might want to consider obtaining the specimen at the clinic itself so that no “swimmers” begin dying off.
2. Write your name and the time the sample was collected on the cup.
You definitely do not want your specimen being matched with the wrong woman, so make sure you label it with your husband’s name. Also, the lab needs to know the exact time the specimen was collected. Write it down so you do not forget.
3. Keep the specimen warm.
If you are transporting a specimen during the winter, be sure to hold it close to your body or wrapped up in a towel to protect it from the elements.
4. Put the specimen cup in a bag.
To spare yourself the embarrassment of walking around with your husband’s semen in plain view, put the cup (with the lid securely fastened) into a small bag. I used to use plastic grocery bags for this purpose.
5. Put the specimen in a secure place in your car.
You definitely do not want your specimen spilling on the way to the clinic. Hold it between your legs (which will keep it warm), or place it in a cup holder to keep it secure.
6. Drive slowly and carefully.
Now is not the time to speed and risk getting a ticket. Take your time, obeying all traffic laws as you go.
7. Deliver the specimen to the front desk.
The clinic should tell you ahead of time where to deliver the specimen. You do not have to yell out what is in the bag: They know.
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