Guys Want to Know…What’s in the Collection Room?

The doctor has ordered a semen analysis and now you are tasked with collecting a semen sample. The thoughts running through your mind can range from “how embarrassing!” to “let’s get to work!”

 

While it may feel awkward to collect a semen specimen in the clinic, rest assured the staff does not think twice about it. Heck, we can even say words like “masturbation” without giggling. Our focus is helping our patients achieve pregnancy. So relax – this is a no judgment zone!

 

After you check in for your appointment, the lab staff will ask for your picture ID and lead you down a hallway to the back of the clinic. We purposely designed and constructed our collection rooms in the back of the clinic so you could collect your sample with as few distracting noises as possible. With that being said, that long walk down that hallway does seem extra long when you are about to collect your sample.

 

We have 2 collection rooms here at Michigan Reproductive Medicine (or as we like to refer to them: Honeymoon Suite 1 and 2). Inside the collection room, we have all the essentials for collecting a semen specimen: a vinyl “love” seat, a magazine rack with a variety of classic adult magazines, a television and DVD player with several adult movie options, a sterile collection cup, and a clipboard with paperwork for you to complete when you are finished collecting your sample. We also have WI-FI available for those who prefer to use their own device.

 

Before we leave you to the task at hand (pun intended), we will give you basic semen collection instructions including:

 

• Confirming the name and birth date of you and your spouse on the printed label
• Completing the semen collection form

 

Once you are finished collecting your specimen, you will take your completed semen collection form and specimen cup and put both of them into the pass through window in the hallway (located a few feet from our collection rooms). After that, you can walk back down that long hallway and make your exit. No need to stop or say anything to anyone. Not bad, right?

 

So, when the doctor orders a semen analysis, just know that this is like any other test and there is nothing to be nervous or scared about. You’ve got this!