Practical problems in the posthumous retrieval of sperm

This communication discusses the practical problems that arise during the collection and processing of sperm that have been retrieved posthumously. It is based on a small group, namely the last six men from whom we carried out posthumous retrieval. The reason for each retrieval, the method of that retrieval, the assessment of the sperm retrieved, the subsequent viability of the sperm and their storage method are discussed. The many ethical and legal problems that arise both before and after posthumous sperm retrieval are huge in their complexity. Therefore, they will not be discussed here and this communication will be limited to the practical aspects of posthumous sperm retrieval. The purpose of this communication is to make some suggestions that will facilitate such collections. The whole subject of posthumous sperm collection is gaining increasing clinical importance and has begun to interest the media as demonstrated by the recent national coverage in an Australian newspaper.