Question about semen analysis (tmi warning)

Septmomtobe

We are at the beginning stages of testing with a re following 3 consecutive losses. Dh is going tomorrow to provide a semen analysis. This has to be done at the re office. 

Dh is a little anxious about it. The office hasn't said much except no sex for 2 days prior to the test. I read a little online and it seems like no lubrication can be used when he gives his "sample.". This is the part he is not looking forward to. Also, does the office usually provide any sort of material? Any suggestions for dh tomorrow? He doesn't mind giving the sample for testing of course just the process and lack of being able to use any sort of lubrication.

Sorry-I warned it was a tmi question! Lol.  

buckeyebaby814

MH had to abstain for 3-7 days, could use no lube, condom and could not receive any 'help' from me  He said there were materials in there, but I didn't ask what they were and if he looked at them, I didn't want to know!  

TBH, MH had a hard time.  Apparently, the room they give men to deposit their sample (at our REs office) was near the lab room so he could here people outside the room  It took him about 20 minutes and he came out beat red and sweaty poor thing!

delino

My husband had the option of doing it at home or in the office. For his test he did it in the office and he said he was put in a bathroom and given a penthouse.  He said he just powered through it, but it wasn't pleasant.  Good luck. 

AngnShaun

they definitely give material... and unfortunately its true no lubrication.  The only time we did it was for the one IUI we did.  My RE allows the wives to go in if thats something youd consider? 

kellbelle618

If I remember right, they gave my DH a little package of some kind of lube but I might be wrong. I was allowed to go in with him and could help, but no oral (or sex obviously) because saliva can contaminate the sample. There were magazines for him to look at and videos available to watch on the tv. it was NBD aside from being a little weird.

emikat

I went in with my DH.  There was material in the room - a TV and probably some magazines.  We didn't look.  I couldn't help much as there was a no saliva rule. But, they did provide him with some mineral oil to use a lubrication.  I read the other rules they had posted and they stated that mineral oil was only ok for the SA. For samples that will be used for IVF, no lube.  I had an IUI earlier this year.  We went to a different lab to give the sample and they did provide him with lube, astroglide.  So, maybe it's just lab dependent. 

It is awkward at the RE's office.  This last time we had to pass the sample through a opening in the wall (you could lock it) after DH was done.  The lab tech was standing right there to take it, so you knew she was there the whole time.  But, my view is that they are used to it and so it really doesn't faze them that much.  You gotta do what you gotta do.  LOL.