A variety of biological fluid collection devices and systems have been developed to assist with or otherwise aid in the production and collection of biological fluids. Included are systems and devices that aid in the stimulation and therefore production of seminal fluid such as masturbation sleeves and other such systems. Examples of such devices are disclosed in: U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,818, issued Jul. 21, 1998, titled “Device for Discreet Sperm Collection”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,523, issued Sep. 15, 1998, titled “Prophylactic and Prosthetic Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,360, issued Sep. 15, 1998, titled “Device for Discreet Sperm Collection”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,235, issued Nov. 14, 1995, titled “Female Functional Mannequin”; all to Steven A. Shubin, Sr. and all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
The collection of seminal fluid, whether in humans or animals, can be problematic and difficult. Whether, as is the case with human males collection can be an embarrassing and awkward experience, or as can be the case with male animals, collection can be problematic when attempting to obtain the sample. Further, and in the cases of large animals such as horses and the like, the collection can be dangerous due to the size, unpredictability, and un-cooperation of the animal.
With respect to humans, the procedure is still quite archaic and comprises the individual masturbating into a specimen receptacle, which can lead to discomfort. That is, the erect male penis is generally upwardly oriented, while the collection device must be held or situated lower or downwardly thereto. As such, the donor must force the erect penis downwardly in order for the ejaculate to be received in the specimen container. Forcing the erect penis downwardly not only can be difficult and uncomfortable, but in some cases can also be painful. Further, conflict between the position of the specimen container with respect to the erect penis can then lead to loss of ejaculate and/or inadvertent loss of more sperm rich ejaculate due to improper timing of the onset and/or ejaculation of the male. Whether due to discomfort that may occur during use or the difficulty in the simultaneous angulation and alignment of the specimen container and the penis, improvements are desired.
Yet further, the specimen containers that are used in today's facilities are designed for utilitarian purposes rather than comfort. For example, the specimen container itself functions strictly as a receptacle and offers nothing in the way of comfort, ease of use, or other assistance to and/or for the donor. Still further, the size, shape, rough edges and screw threads of today's specimen containers can actually cause the donor discomfort and even pain if contact with the genitalia is made.
Yet further, the collection of seminal fluid in animals is also problematic and difficult. For these specimens, collection can pose physical dangers to personnel engaged in the collection. As such, devices, systems, and methods that reduce the unpredictability and increase the cooperation of the animal are desired. Further, as the acquired semen specimens are not only used in the diagnoses and treatment of the animal, but may also be sold to breeders and the like, such specimens can be profitable and thus, the owners of these animals seek to have the specimen fully captured with the least amount of waste.
Moreover, doctors say prostate health may benefit from the stimulation of the production of seminal fluid and thus systems that facilitate the process while mitigating the disadvantages previously described are desired. Recent studies have found that prostate health in human males may be related to frequency of ejaculation. In particular, infrequent ejaculation can lead to swelling of the prostate, known as congestive prostatitis, and may also increase the cancer risk in human males. Some medical sources suggest an ejaculation frequency of three to four times per week to ensure good prostate health. One study found a 14% lower lifetime prostate cancer rate for men who ejaculate between 13 and 20 times per month, and a upwards of 33% lower lifetime prostate cancer risk for men who ejaculate 21 times or more each month. Devices for stimulation and collection of seminal fluids may aid achieving higher ejaculations rates among men, particularly the unmarried and long-married.
Beyond assisting with respect to prostate health effects of ejaculation, devices for stimulation and collection of seminal fluids through ejaculation may also assist in reversing desensitization issues. That is, repeated masturbatory stimulation of the penis using the hand or rough cloth can lead to desensitization of the penis, particularly in the absence of lubrication in some form. Desensitization can then result in erectile dysfunction during copulation. Use of properly lubricated devices designed specifically for the stimulation and collection of seminal fluid may help reverse the desensitization issues, and thus reduce the occurrence of erective dysfunction related to the desensitization issue.