DOCSLIB.ORG

Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Amongst Potential Semen Donors in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Amongst Potential Semen Donors in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria INCIDENCE OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AMONGST POTENTIAL SEMEN DONORS IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, BENIN CITY, NIGERIA *O.K Ibadin (M.Sc), ** I.O Enabulele (Ph.D) *Human Reproduction Research Programme/Invitro Fertilization Unit, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. **Department Of Microbiology, University of Benin, Nigeria. Correspondence: Ibadin O.K. Human Reproduction Research Programme/IVF Unit Dept. of Obstetric & Gynaecology University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT The incidence of Sexually Transmitted INTRODUCTION Diseases in Prospective Semen Donors Therapeutic donor insemination where investigated using Standard has become well-established option in Laboratory Procedures. 30 Prospective the treatment of un-correctable male- Semen Donors were screened for factor infertility. The use of donor semen common STDs/STI at the Human has increased dramatically in recent Reproductive Research Programme years and thousands of infants are /Invitro Fertilization Centre of the conceived worldwide by artificial University of Benin Teaching Hospital. insemination with the use of donor The incidence rates are Staphylococcus semen. Despite its wide acceptance aureus (20%), followed by Chlamydia among physicians and infertile couples, trachomatis (6.7%) while Klebsiellia spp, recent reports of contaminated semen Treponema pallidum, Human continue to cause considerable Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), concern2,3. Many individuals presenting Escherichia coli and Hepatitis B Virus as potential semen donors, who are were detected with incidence rate of infected with several pathogens may 3.3% each respectively. Ten percent lack symptoms and signs of infection, or (10%) of the prospective semen donors may not have clinically detectable had evidence of polymicrobial infection evidence of infection, thereby placing excluding HIV. The risk of sexually the recipient at significant risk. Efforts to transmitted diseases or infection should reduce the risk of transmitting infection be of great concern to couples during artificial insemination with donor undergoing therapeutic artificial donor semen include adoption of the insemination. guidelines recommended by the Keywords: STDs/STI, Artificial American Fertility Society. These Insemination, Semen Donors) guidelines recommend rigorous screening of Potential semen donors for The main focus of this study, and sexually transmitted disease (STDs) and focus is to ascertain the incidence of that the sperm be frozen and Common Sexually Transmitted quarantined for a period of six to twelve Pathogens in male subjects Presenting months while the donor undergoes to our Clinic as Prospective Semen repeated testing for development of Donors using current screening antibodies to the human guidelines. immunodeficiency virus (HIV)4. Despite the comprehensive MATERIALS AND METHODS guidelines of several professional and 32 prospective semen donors, governmental agencies screening ranging in age from 30 to 40years were therapeutic insemination donors for recruited of the Human Reproduction sexually transmitted disease, available Research Programme/Invitro data suggest that the standard of Fertilization Centre of the Hospital from practice is highly variable7. Several January 2007 to August 2008. Semen, programmes appear to take inadequate urine, Urethral discharge and blood measures to prevent STD transmission were collected from each of the donor. by limiting screening to entry only All of the samples were rapidly without frequent retesting, while some transferred to Microbiology Lab of the continue to use fresh sperm and content Hospital and Standard Microbiology that the recommended screening Techniques was performed to detect the procedures are cumbersome and microbial agents (on Blood agar, expensive. The long-term sequela of MacConkey and Chocolate agar for infecting a healthy semen recipient with Bacteriogical culture incubated at STDs clearly justifies rigorous 370Celcius for 24-48hours. After screening, although this practice may Incubation Period, Specific diagnostic reduce the pool of suitable donors. tests according to microbiology These guidelines are not being references were performed to universally applied. Not only do some reorganize the known colonies8,10. In donor insemination programmes addition, Standard Serological Methods especially in developing countries, were applied for the detection of continue to use fresh semen5,6. Others Treponema palladum, Chlamydia use semen cultures as an alternative to trachomatis and Human urethral cultures inspite of the paucity of Immunodeficiency Virus in blood data on the reliability of semen cultures samples. Semen parameter was as a screening too7. performed according to World Health 14 Previous studies have reported Organization Guidelines . the Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Potential Semen RESULTS Donors. From June 1986 through Demographic characteristic of the August 1987 in Houston Texas, for 48 Prospective Semen Donors, showed a healthy male volunteers presented as predominantly single male in potential semen donors. 10% of the heterosexual relationship and 30% gave donor had evidence of sexually a history of at least one previous 1,3,9 episode of Sexually Transmitted transmitted disease . Diseases (STDs). A total of 15(50%) microbial agents were isolated from the Esacherichia coli and Hepalitis B Virus 30 Prospective Donors screened within had 3.3% incidence rate. 3(10%) had the period under study. Staphylococcus evidence of Polymicrobial Infection aureus had 6(20%) followed by excluding Human Immunodeficiency Chlamydia trachomatis 2(6.%), while Virus. Positive findings in this study Klebsielia spp, Treponema pallidum were predicted by history of more than Human Immunodeficiency Virus, one partner. TABLE I: AGE CLASSIFICATION OF SEMEN DONORS WITH SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES Age (Yrs) Numb. Exam. Numb. Positive % Positive 20 - 24 10 4 40 25 – 29 14 10 71 30 – 34 3 1 33 35 – 39 2 0 0 > 40 1 0 0 Total 30 15 50 TABLE II: NUMBER OF MICROBIAL PATHOGEN PER SPECIMEN FROM PROSPECTIVE SEMEN DONORS IN UBTH Microbial pathogen Processed specimen Urethral discharge Urine Semen Blood Total Staphylococcus aureus 5(16%) (0%) 3(10%) - 6(20%) Klebsiellia Spp. 0(0%) (0%)) 1(3.3% - 1(3.3%) Escherichia coli 0(0%) 1(3.3%) 0(0%) 1(3.3%) Chlamydia trachomatis - - - 2(6.7%) 2(6.7%) Treponema pallidum - - - 1(3.3%) 1(3.3%) Human Immunodeficiency Virus - - - 1(3.3%) 1(3.3%) Hepatitis B Virus - - - 1(3.3%) 1(3.3%) Total 5(16.7%) 1(3.3%) 4(13.3%) 5(16.7%) 5(50%) DISCUSSION whom are young, single, and are not Artificial insemination with donor always in monogamous relationships, semen has become a well established represent a high-risk population for STD alternative for couples with untreatable transmission. This predominantly- male factor infertility. Because of the student population requires rigorous widespread use of donor insemination, screening and frequent retesting for the and the increasing awareness and acquisition of new pathogens. prevalence of sexually transmitted Establishing a rapport and good diseases, It has become imperative to communication with this group of highly subject prospective semen donors for fertile donors, with emphasis on the sexually transmitted screening. importance of responsible, safe sexually behaviours is suggested. The incidence The incidence rate of sexually of Sexually Transmissible Infections in transmitted disease from this study was Prospective Semen Donors has been 50% which underscore the concern reported in some centres controversy often expressed by women undergoing remains concerning the extent of artificial inseminations with donor sperm screening that is appropriate for semen regarding the risk of being infected with donors. The major question is whether sexually transmitted pathogen. or not the benefit of reducing the risk of Chlamydia trachomatis ranked transmitting STDs compensates for the second in the incidence of STDs in this cost of vigorous screening. As screening study. Its manifestations are well methods continue to improve, and more acknowledged in women whom it is data accumulate on the outcome of responsible for majority of cases of frequent testing, it appears that such a 7 salpingitis . Prospective semen donors meticulous approach to screening is with seroevidence of HIV were rejected. appropriate. With such close In one of the study carried out by Mark surveillance and management, the 12 et al , the infection rate in 44 enlisted transmission of pathogens to semen semen donors in some fertility centres in recipients may hopefully be reduced to Canada is 13.6% as against 50% from the minimum. the 30 Semen Donors enlisted in this study. It should be noted that 3(10%) REFERENCES out of the total number enlisted in this 1. Stewart GJ, Tyler JPP, study had positive evidence of Cunningham AL et al. Polymicrobial infections particularly from Transmission of human T-Cell Urethral and Semen Samples from this Lymphotropic virus. Type III (HTL individuals. It was also observed that VIII) by artificial insemination by prospective donors in the age group of donor. Lancet 1981; 2:581-584. 25-29 had the highest incidence of STD of 10 (71%), which also underscore the 2. Monteiro EF, Spencer RC, need to educate and enlighten our Kinghorn GR et al, Sexually youths on the danger of acquiring these transmitted disease in potential pathogen. semen donors. Br. Med J. 1987; Consistent with previous studies 295:418. this
Load more

Recommended publications
  • THE PHYSIOLOGY and ECOPHYSIOLOGY of EJACULATION Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, Vol
    Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems E-ISSN: 1870-0462 [email protected] Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán México Lucio, R. A.; Cruz, Y.; Pichardo, A. I.; Fuentes-Morales, M. R.; Fuentes-Farias, A.L.; Molina-Cerón, M. L.; Gutiérrez-Ospina, G. THE PHYSIOLOGY AND ECOPHYSIOLOGY OF EJACULATION Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, vol. 15, núm. 1, 2012, pp. S113-S127 Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán Mérida, Yucatán, México Available in: http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=93924484010 How to cite Complete issue Scientific Information System More information about this article Network of Scientific Journals from Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal Journal's homepage in redalyc.org Non-profit academic project, developed under the open access initiative Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 15 (2012) SUP 1: S113 – S127 REVIEW [REVISIÓN] THE PHYSIOLOGY AND ECOPHYSIOLOGY OF EJACULATION [FISIOLOGÍA Y ECOFISIOLOGÍA DE LA EYACULACIÓN] R. A. Lucio1*, Y. Cruz1, A. I. Pichardo2, M. R. Fuentes-Morales1, A.L. Fuentes-Farias3, M. L. Molina-Cerón2 and G. Gutiérrez-Ospina2 1Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala-Puebla km 1.5 s/n, Loma Xicotencatl, 90062, Tlaxcala, Tlax., México. 2Depto. Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, México, D.F., México. 3Laboratorio de Ecofisiologia Animal, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Investigaciones sobre los Recursos Naturales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Av. San Juanito Itzicuaro s/n, Colonia Nueva Esperanza 58337, Morelia, Mich., México * Corresponding author ABSTRACT RESUMEN Different studies dealing with ejaculation view this Diferentes estudios enfocados en la eyaculación, process as a part of the male copulatory behavior.
    [Show full text]
  • INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION of HUSBAND's SEMEN Departments
    INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION OF HUSBAND'S SEMEN B. N. BARWIN Departments of Physiology and Midwifery & Gynaecology, The Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland (Received 11 th January 1973) Summary. Fifty patients with primary infertility were treated by intra- uterine insemination of the husband's semen which had been stored. Thirty patients had sperm counts of greater than 20 \m=x\106/ml with 50% motility and twenty patients had oligospermia (<20 \m=x\106/ml). The technique of storage of semen is reported and the intrauterine method described. The r\l=o^\leof the buffer solution is discussed in over- coming the complications of intrauterine insemination. A success rate of 70% is reported in the normospermic group and 55% in the oligo- spermic group over nine cycles of intrauterine insemination of husband's semen. INTRODUCTION One of the main problems confronting the gynaecologist in the investigation of infertility is the consistent finding of immotile spermatozoa, spermatozoa of low motility and low sperm count in the cervical mucus or semen (Scott, 1968). There was considerable controversy among earlier workers in the field that the sperm count was substandard if it fell below 60 106/ml but MacLeod (1962) has carried out considerable research in this field and it is now generally accepted that true oligospermia is represented by counts of less than 20 IO6/ ml provided the motility is good. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Selection of cases Fifty couples with primary infertility of between 3 and 14 years' duration were selected. The age distribution was between 24 and 41 years. In all cases, the wives had been subjected to a full clinical investigation.
    [Show full text]
  • Prevention of Infections in an Artificial Insemination Program
    SPERM ONLY PLEASE: Prevention of infections in an artificial insemination program Carin Huyser Reproductive and Endocrine Unit Department Ob/Gyn University of Pretoria Steve Biko Academic Hospital South Africa [email protected] ESHRE Campus workshop Genk Belgium, 15 December 2009 1 CONTENT I. Introduction Infection and contamination control Environment Staff Supplies Patients & specimens II. Aim Origin & prevention III. Prevalence (origin) of pathogens in ART Bacteria and STIs Viruses Interaction STI & HIV IV. Risk reduction (prevention) Screening & counselling Semen washing Validation of specimens ART procedure: IUI versus IVF/ICSI V. Discussion & Conclusion VI. Acknowledgements 2 I. INTRODUCTION ‘Semen contains vitality & heredity, not germs ’: seminal discourse in the AIDS era 1. Infection and contamination control in ART laboratory 2-4: Environment (inside & outside of lab e.g. Pseudomona spp. in water, fungal spores in air) Staff (individuals & techniques) Facilities & supplies (equipment, eg. cryostorage tanks; media) PatientsPatients & & specimens specimens 1. Khan et al . J Health Popul Nutr 2006; 24 :195-200; 2. Englert et al . Hum Reprod Update 2004; 10 :149-162; 3. Elder, Baker & Ribes. Infections, 3 Infertility and Assisted Reproduction 2005; 4. Magli et al . Hum Reprod 2008; 23 :1253-1262 I. INTRODUCTION Infection and contamination control in ART laboratory 1: Patients & specimens (semen ) Prevalence of pathogens (origin) Risk reduction (prevent) BBV+ BBV+ Fig 1: Prediction of reproductive potential 1. Elder, Baker & Ribes. Infections, Infertility and Assisted Reproduction. 2005 4 I. INTRODUCTION Infection and contamination control in ART laboratory 2: Patients & specimens (semen ) Prevalence of pathogens (origin) Risk reduction (prevent) BBV+/- BBV+/- Fig 1: Prediction of reproductive potential 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Artificial Insemination
    Ch36-A03309.qxd 1/23/07 5:16 PM Page 539 Section 6 Infertility and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Chapter Artificial Insemination 36 Ashok Agarwal and Shyam S. R. Allamaneni INTRODUCTION widely available, the terms homologous artificial insemination and heterologous artificial insemination were used to differentiate Artificial insemination is an assisted conception method that can these two alternative sources. However, the use of these bio- be used to alleviate infertility in selected couples. The rationale medical terms in this manner is at variance with their scientific behind the use of artificial insemination is to increase the gamete meaning, where they denote different species or organisms (as in, density near the site of fertilization.1 The effectiveness of artificial e.g., homologous and heterologous tissue grafts). insemination has been clearly established in specific subsets of In the latter half of the 20th century, the terms artificial infertile patients such as those with idiopathic infertility, infertility insemination, donor (AID) and artificial insemination, husband related to a cervical factor, or a mild male factor infertility (AIH) found common use. However, the widespread use of the (Table 36-1).2,3 An accepted advantage of artificial insemination acronym AIDS for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome resulted is that it is generally less expensive and invasive than other in the replacement of AID with therapeutic donor insemination assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures.4 (TDI). An analogous alternative term for AIH has not evolved, This chapter provides a comprehensive description of probably in part because of the increasingly common situation indications for artificial insemination, issues to consider before where the woman’s partner is not her legal husband.
    [Show full text]
  • The Moral Problem of Artificial Insemination
    The Linacre Quarterly Volume 55 | Number 1 Article 8 February 1988 The orM al Problem of Artificial Insemination Carlo Caffarra Follow this and additional works at: http://epublications.marquette.edu/lnq Recommended Citation Caffarra, Carlo (1988) "The orM al Problem of Artificial Insemination," The Linacre Quarterly: Vol. 55: No. 1, Article 8. Available at: http://epublications.marquette.edu/lnq/vol55/iss1/8 The Moral Problem of Artificial Insemination Msgr. Carlo Caffarra Monsignor Caffarra is the director of the John Paul II Institute/or Studies on Marriage and the Family at the Pontifical Lateran Unil'er.l'itr. Original/r fJuhlish ed in Scienza E Origine Della Vita, thefcll/o\\'ing article was translated and edited hI' ReI'. Edward J. Barer. S. T. D. If one wants to deal with the casuistry of artificial insemination (AI). it is necessary to bring forth certain theological and anthropological presuppositions on the basis of which individual instances of AI are judged. Section I: Theological and Anthropological Presuppositions. I. The fundamental starting point consists of certain foundational affirmations regarding the origin of the human person. 1.1 The mystery of the origin of every human person has its roots in the very mystery of God. The origin of a human person. as a matter of fact. is not some kind of chance biological happening. but is the result of a creative act. that is. a deliberate and free choice on the part of God to do something He is no way obliged to do. Every human person is known and willed by God I) in a totally special.
    [Show full text]
  • Artificial Insemination Instructions
    Artificial Insemination Instructions There are basically 3 ways of doing an at-home insemination: 1. The so-called Turkey Baster Method, though it is smarter to use a needle-less syringe than a turkey baster. 2. Insemination using a Cervical Cap, Diaphragm or Soft Cup. 3. Using a Cervical Cap with Access Tube, such as the Oligiosperma Cup (needs to be purchased through a doctor). This is a cervical cap with a tube for adding sperm after the cup is in place. TURKEY BASTER METHOD (NEEDLELESS SYRINGE) Supplies needed: • Needle-less Syringe • Collection Cup • Saline without additives or preservatives (Optional) • Tube to attach to syringe (Optional) The syringe should have a plunger, not a bulb end (not the mini turkey baster!). All syringes work pretty much the same way. You can attach a catheter (thin tube) to the syringe but you don't need to and it may waste more of the semen to use one. 1. Have the male ejaculate into a clean, sterile plastic collection cup (if using fresh semen). You'll probably have the best luck getting the semen out of a collection cup since you could suck a baggy or condom up into the syringe and block the opening. You can use a tiny bit of saline, without additives/preservatives, to help get as much sperm as possible into the syringe, but you don't need to worry too much about leaving a little behind. If you are using frozen sperm, you need to ask the sperm bank for directions on thawing. 2. Draw back on the syringe once with nothing but air, then push the air out again.
    [Show full text]
  • Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infection Pathogens in Semen Samples
    Peeling.qxd 3/31/2005 11:38 AM Page 73 CANADIAN STI BEST PRACTICE LABORATORY GUIDELINES Screening for sexually transmitted infection pathogens in semen samples RW Peeling PhD1, J Embree MD2 RW Peeling, J Embree. Screening for sexually transmitted Dépistage des MTS dans les échantillons de infection pathogens in semen samples. Can J Infect Dis Med sperme Microbiol 2005;16(2):73-76. La transmission des MTS (maladies transmissibles sexuellement) entre un The transmission of sexually transmitted infection (STI) pathogens donneur infecté et la receveuse d’un don de sperme lors d’une fécondation from an infected donor to the recipient of a semen donation in assisted artificielle peut entraîner non seulement une infection aiguë chez la mère conception may result not only in acute infection but also in long- et l’enfant, mais également des problèmes de fertilité à long terme. Le term reproductive complications or adverse outcomes of pregnancy, dépistage des bactéries Chlamydia trachomatis et Neisseria gonorrhoeae, en including infection of the offspring. Screening for bacterial STI cause dans les MTS, est fortement recommandé parce que ces agents pathogens, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae is strongly pathogènes peuvent provoquer de graves complications au niveau de recommended because these pathogens can cause serious reproduc- l’appareil reproducteur des receveuses et infecter le bébé. Le dépistage de tive complications in the recipients of semen donations and infection ces agents pathogènes doit être effectué à l’aide des méthodes les plus in their offspring. Screening for these pathogens should be performed sensibles, comme les tests d’amplification de l’acide nucléique.
    [Show full text]
  • American Society for Reproductive Medicine (Asrm) Patient Management and Clinical Recommendations During the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic
    AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE (ASRM) PATIENT MANAGEMENT AND CLINICAL RECOMMENDATIONS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC UPDATE No. 13 – February 22, 2021 Variants, Vaccines, and Vaccination It has been more than one year since the first case of COVID-19 was identified in the United States (U.S.) and the first SARS-CoV-2-related death was recorded. The largest surge of cases since the onset of the pandemic occurred following the seasonal holidays, lasting for most of January 2021, but is now on a downward trajectory in the U.S. Nevertheless, current community transmission rates continue at a substantial level. In the current update, the ASRM Coronavirus/COVID-19 Task Force (the “Task Force”)1 continues to support strict adherence to its earlier recommended mitigation strategies for disease prevention, including use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), implementation of travel restrictions and quarantines when appropriate (see Update #3). Even though the decreasing trend in infection rates is encouraging, and 52 million in the U.S. have been vaccinated, CDC guidelines should be strictly followed, and COVID-19 prevention should remain a top priority to reduce the likelihood of the emergence of additional, new SARS-CoV-2 variants. While COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing illness and hospitalization, their effectiveness for prevention of transmission remains unclear. Care centers should continue to maintain usage of masks and double masking, hand washing, avoidance of crowds, and social distancing. 1 This guidance document was developed under the direction of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Task Force of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
    [Show full text]
  • Harmonizing the Legal Treatment of Semen Myrisha S
    College of William & Mary Law School William & Mary Law School Scholarship Repository Faculty Publications Faculty and Deans 2013 Sex and Statutory Uniformity: Harmonizing the Legal Treatment of Semen Myrisha S. Lewis William & Mary Law School, [email protected] Repository Citation Lewis, Myrisha S., "Sex and Statutory Uniformity: Harmonizing the Legal Treatment of Semen" (2013). Faculty Publications. 1920. https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/facpubs/1920 Copyright c 2013 by the authors. This article is brought to you by the William & Mary Law School Scholarship Repository. https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/facpubs SEX AND STATUTORY UNIFORMITY: HARMONIZING THE LEGAL TREATMENT OF SEMEN Myrisha S. Lewis* I. INTRODUCTION ................................. 236 A. Product ............................ ..... 241 B. Method of Transmission/Distribution ...... ...... 242 II. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES DUE TO SEXUAL CONTACT. ........................... 245 III. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES DUE TO ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY ............... 251 IV. MODEL STATUTE IN THE SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE CONTEXT..... ............. 251 V. LEFTOVER EMBRYOS DUE TO ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY ................ 253 A. Frozen Embryo Disposition ............. ...... 254 B. Model Statute Governing Frozen Embryo Disposition .......................... ..... 261 VI. CHILD SUPPORT LIABILITY AS A RESULT OF SEX ..... 264 A. Child Support Overview ................ ..... 264 B. Contraceptive Fraud, Sexual Assault, and Statutory Rape in the Context of Parentage .............
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction: Being a Sperm Donor
    INTRODUCTION BEING A SPERM DONOR perm donation is probably one of reproductive biomedicine’s Smost long-standing endeavors. On offi cial record since at least the middle of the eighteenth century (Ombelet and Robays 2010), the practice of collecting semen in a container through masturbation for purposes of artifi cial insemination has been around for about 250 years. Together with donor insemination, it has ever since func- tioned as a low-tech solution for childlessness and infertility requir- ing no laboratory or clinical equipment. Having a man willing and able to masturbate into a container, a woman wanting to undergo insemination, and a person prepared to carry out the insemination procedure is all that is required, and while today’s sperm donation and donor insemination involve semen collection and testing at sperm banks and insemination procedures at either a clinic or at home with specialized insemination kits, sperm donation and donor insemination can also be carried out using everyday objects such as cups and turkey basters. The relatively ready availability of donor semen and sperm do- nation’s low-tech status are certainly part of what made it into a viable success. At the same time, however, sperm donation is also reproductive biomedicine’s stepchild, so to say, since the use of do- nor semen in reproductive biomedicine goes against at least three long-standing Euro-American social taboos: masturbation, infi del- ity, and multilineal kinship. It is sperm donation’s reliance on men masturbating in order to produce semen, its invocation of infi del relations between sperm donor and donor semen recipient, and its disturbance of bilineal kinship that stir moral concerns about the use of donor semen in reproductive biomedicine.
    [Show full text]
  • Use of Home Insemination in Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
    1110 BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL VOLUME 287 15 OCTOBER 1983 patients using these, 16 either failed to appreciate that the tyres were flat In a pilot study we circumvented this problem by teaching couples or did not know how to inflate them. Their mental function test score did to inseminate themselves and providing portable liquid nitrogen not differ from that of those whose tyres were fully inflated. Altogether refrigerators for either home treatment or treatment by family 15 women and four men did not know how to pump up tyres, and 11 patients did not possess a pump. Two wheelchairs had a different type of valve practitioners. This service has been reasonably successful and we connection on each wheel; the users were not aware that the pump could report here the results. be adapted to both types of valve. Fourteen wheelchairs had primary brake defects (six of these also had flat tyres). In 10 cases the brake spring was too weak and in four it was too stiff. Patients, methods, and results Couples were referred from the AID clinic at Birmingham Maternity Hospital or directly from an interested family doctor. In five cases the male Comment partner presented with azoospermia, and the remaining two with oligo- have zoospermia. All of the women (age range 27-36 years) had had several Most wheelchairs inflatable tyres because compressed air is unsuccessful cycles of insemination at the hospital clinic and had had tubal light and ensures a comfortable ride.2 In Britain the wheelchair patency established by laparoscopy and hydrotubation. Three had begun brake mechanism requires the brake lever to be pushed or pulled clomiphene while attending the hospital clinic, in one case to control irregular so that the brake plate presses against the outer rim of the tyre.
    [Show full text]
  • Artificial Insemination for Miniature Donkeys
    ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION FOR MINIATURE DONKEYS Stephen R. Purdy, DVM Department of Veterinary and Animal Science University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA INTRODUCTION Artificial insemination is a viable technique for use in all equine species, including donkeys. Standard equine equipment may be used to collect, evaluate, transport, and inseminate semen. Limited experience exists with fresh cooled semen and immediate post-collection insemination in miniature donkeys. SEMEN COLLECTION Standard equine collection equipment can be used in donkeys of all sizes, including miniature donkeys. I have exclusively used the 16" Missouri artificial vagina (AV), which is available from various sources. Collection may also be performed with the Roanoke AV (Roanoke AI Laboratories, Roanoke, VA, 540-774-0676 or www.roanokeai.com). It is easy to train a jack for semen collection, even one that is only used to field breeding, by using a jump jennet that is in estrus. Proper handling is important – the handlers and collector must be patient and allow for the normal, cautious behavior of donkeys when confronted with new situations. As always, grain is an excellent motivator to entice a donkey into an unfamiliar area. The collection process with donkeys is different from horses due to the different reproductive behavior of the donkey. A jack may take as long as 30 minutes to achieve a full erection (Fig. 2). As the jack approaches a jennet in estrus, she will "jaw" (open and close her mouth) (Fig. 7). The jack should not be allowed to bite the jennet, or to stay on her back until he has achieved a full erection.
    [Show full text]