Site of semen collection and its effect on semen analysis parameters

Objective: To determine whether the site of semen collection affects semen parameters by comparing semen samples collected at home with those collected in the office. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: An academic research environment. Patient(s): Men collecting semen samples both at home and in the office, either for a workup, for infertility or for use in intrauterine insemination. Intervention(s): Semen analysis performed on all specimens, evaluating sperm count, sperm motility, total count, and total motile count. Main Outcome Measure(s): Semen analysis parameters. Result(s): There was no statistically significant difference in sperm count, sperm motility, total count, or total motile count between those samples collected at home vs. those collected in the office in either group of patients. Conclusion(s): The site of semen collection, whether at home vs. in the office, does not have a clinically significant effect on semen analysis parameters. (Fertil Steril (R) 2008;89:395-7. (c) 2008 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)