Semen collection

A breeding mount with built-in artificial vagina used to extract semen from horses for use in artificial insemination

Semen collection refers to the process of obtaining semen from humans or other male animals with the use of various methods, for the purposes of artificial insemination, or medical study (usually in fertility clinics). Semen can be collected via masturbation (e. g., from male wolves, dogs and foxes), prostate massage, artificial vagina, penile vibratory stimulation (vibroejaculation) and electroejaculation.

By species

Dogs

In order to collect semen from a male dog, an artificial vagina is prepared, which is a conical thin latex sleeve ending in a sterile collection tube. The inside of the latex sleeve is lightly lubricated. The male is allowed to sniff a female in estrus. Experienced studs cooperate readily in the process. New studs often require encouragement in the form of manual stimulation, also known as "manual ejaculation". Generally the male will mount the female, and the collector quickly directs the male dog's penis into the latex sleeve. The male ejaculates and the semen is collected in the tube. The semen is then drawn up into a long thin pipette.

Humans

• The most common way to collect a semen sample is through masturbation, directing the sample into a clean cup.

• A sample may also be collected during intercourse in a special type of condom known as a collection condom. Collection condoms are made from silicone or polyurethane, as latex is somewhat harmful to sperm. Many men prefer collection condoms to masturbation, and some religions prohibit masturbation entirely. Adherents of religions that prohibit contraception may use collection condoms with holes pricked in them. However, such samples are inferior to the ones collected by masturbation in clean cup.

• A third option for collecting a sample is through coitus interruptus (withdrawal). With this technique, the man removes his penis from his partner near the end of intercourse and ejaculates into a wide-necked cup or bottle.

• Finally, if a blockage in the vas deferens is suspected to impede fertility, semen can be taken directly from the epididymis. Such a collection is called per cutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA). Alternatively, the testicular tissue itself, instead of the sperm produced can be investigated. Then, the collecting method is called testicular sperm extraction (TESE).

The best specimen is produced when a short period of 3–5 days of abstinence is observed. More prolonged period does not yield better results.

Wolves

Semen can be collected from a male wolf by grasping the wolf's penis with one hand and applying pressure to the wolf's back with the other hand. Semen can also be collected from wolves via manual stimulation or electroejaculation.

See also

• Semen analysis
• Posthumous sperm retrieval
• Canine reproduction#Procedure
• Conception device#Semen collectors
• Collection condom

External links

• The men's rooms A British journalist takes a closer look at the phenomenon of semen collection.

Bibliography

• I. Gordon (2004). Reproductive technologies in farm animals [electronic resource]. CABI. pp. 62–. ISBN 978-0-85199-049-1. Retrieved 18 May 2013.

• Wilson G. Pond; Alan W. Bell (2005). Encyclopedia of Animal Science. Marcel Dekker. pp. 130–. ISBN 978-0-8247-5496-9. Retrieved 18 May 2013.

• Deborah Reeder; Sheri Miller; DeeAnn Wilfong (30 July 2012). AAEVT's Equine Manual for Veterinary Technicians. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-1-118-50482-6. Retrieved 18 May 2013. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

• Graham Munroe BVSc (Hons) PhD Cert EO DESM Dip ECVS FRCVS; Scott Weese DVM DVSc DipACVIM (15 March 2011). Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction. Manson Publishing. pp. 334–. ISBN 978-1-84076-608-0. Retrieved 18 May 2013.

• Juan C. Samper (2009). Equine Breeding Management and Artificial Insemination. Elsevier Health Sciences. pp. 38–. ISBN 978-1-4160-5234-0. Retrieved 18 May 2013.

• Steven P. Brinsko; Terry L. Blanchard; Dickson D. Varner (19 May 2010). Manual of Equine Reproduction. Elsevier Health Sciences. pp. 547–. ISBN 978-0-323-06513-9. Retrieved 18 May 2013. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

• Schaffer, N. E., et al. "Methods of semen collection in an ambulatory greater one‐horned rhinoceros (rhinoceros unicornis).]" Zoo Biology 9.3 (1990): 211-221.

• Roth, Terri L., et al. "Semen collection in rhinoceroses (Rhinoceros unicornis, Diceros bicornis, Ceratotherium simum) by electroejaculation with a uniquely designed probe." Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 36.4 (2005): 617-627.

• Schmitt, D. L., and T. B. Hildebrandt. "Manual collection and characterization of semen from Asian elephants (< i> Elephas maximus)." Animal reproduction science 53.1 (1998): 309-314.

• Brown, Janine L., et al. "Successful artificial insemination of an Asian elephant at the National Zoological Park." Zoo Biology 23.1 (2004): 45-63.

• Howard, JoGayle, et al. "Electroejaculation, semen characteristics and serum testosterone concentrations of free-ranging African elephants (Loxodonta africana)." Journal of reproduction and fertility 72.1 (1984): 187-195.