Short overview (plain words)

This is about giving a semen sample at the clinic for a fertility test. You will be in a private room. A caregiver will be in the room to help and to hold the cup and give tissues. The caregiver should not touch your private parts. You choose when you are ready and can stop anytime.

Before you come to the clinic

  • Don't ejaculate for 2–5 days before the test (ask the clinic the exact time).
  • Bring ID and any forms the clinic asked for.
  • If you usually use lube, tell the clinic — many lubricants can damage sperm. The clinic can advise safe options.

What happens at the clinic — step by step (simple, non‑graphic)

  1. Clinic staff will show you a private room with a chair or bed and a sink.
  2. You and the caregiver go into the room. The door will be closed.
  3. Wash your hands and the area around your penis with plain water and dry with a clean towel.
  4. The clinic gives a clean, sterile cup with a tight lid and a label for your name and the time.
  5. When you are ready, you will produce the sample in the cup. Use the method you usually use in private. The caregiver stays in the room for support.
  6. The caregiver can hold the cup steady or be nearby to take the cup after you finish. The caregiver should not touch your genitals. If you prefer, a nurse can collect the cup instead.
  7. Put the lid on the cup and make sure the label is filled out. Wash your hands again.
  8. Give the cup to the caregiver or the clinic staff. The sample should be given to the lab within about 1 hour and kept near body temperature (e.g., in a shirt pocket). The clinic will tell you exactly what to do.

How you might feel

  • You may feel shy, embarrassed, or nervous — this is normal.
  • You may feel pleasure when you make the sample — that is normal too.
  • If you do not feel comfortable, tell the caregiver or the nurse. You can stop at any time.

Cleanliness and hygiene

  • Use the sterile cup provided — do not touch the inside of the cup or the lid.
  • Do not use soap on the penis right before giving the sample; plain water is best unless the clinic says otherwise.
  • Wash hands before and after the sample.

Role of the caregiver (clear boundaries)

  • The caregiver can be in the room for emotional support.
  • The caregiver can hold the cup or take the cup from the person after the sample, and give tissues or a towel when it is finished.
  • The caregiver must not touch the person's genitals. If the person needs physical help with stimulation, the clinic will arrange trained medical help or a different medical method (see below).
  • Everything must be done with the person’s clear consent. If the person cannot consent, the clinic will follow legal and medical rules and may need a clinician present.

If a sample cannot be produced by masturbation

The clinic can offer alternatives:

  • Use a special collection condom during intercourse (if applicable).
  • Medical methods such as penile vibratory stimulation or, in some cases, sperm retrieval performed by a doctor.
  • Talk with the clinic staff — they will explain options and help you pick the right one.

Quick tips

  • Take your time. You do not need to rush.
  • Bring a familiar photo or something that helps you relax (if clinic allows).
  • Ask the clinic for quiet music or a magazine if that helps you relax.

Simple script for clinic staff or caregiver (short sentences, easy words)

Use calm, slow speech. Check understanding often.

  • "Hello. Today we need a semen sample. This helps check if you can have children."
  • "We will go to a private room. The door will be closed. You will be alone with your caregiver and a nurse. Is that ok?"
  • "Wash your hands and the outside of your penis with water. The cup is clean. Do not touch the inside of the cup."
  • "When you are ready, please put the sample in the cup. Take your time. Say ‘stop’ anytime."
  • "When you finish, put the lid on. Wash your hands. Give the cup to me or the caregiver."
  • "If you do not want the caregiver to be here, tell us. If you want help from a nurse, tell us."

Suggested simple pictures (non‑sexual, to use with the script)

  1. Picture 1: A closed door with a "Private" sign (caption: "Private room")
  2. Picture 2: Hands under running water (caption: "Wash hands")
  3. Picture 3: A clean cup with a lid (caption: "Clean cup")
  4. Picture 4: A person sitting in a chair, door closed, caregiver nearby but not touching (caption: "You in the room. Caregiver is here for support")
  5. Picture 5: A closed cup with a label (caption: "Close lid and label the cup")
  6. Picture 6: A person handing the cup to a nurse (caption: "Give the cup to the nurse")

If you or the caregiver have questions

Speak to the clinic nurse or doctor. They can explain more, give a demonstration of the steps with non‑sexual language, and make sure everything is safe and legal. If you are unsure about anyone touching you, say "no" and ask for a nurse or doctor.

Important: This guide gives general, non‑graphic, supportive information for a medical test. For step‑by‑step sexual stimulation techniques, or if the person needs physical help with stimulation, the clinic must provide trained medical staff and follow legal and ethical rules.