We appreciate the sensitive nature of this question.

Our site follows the halachic position that the prohibition of hotza’at zera levatalah does not apply when ejaculation is for the purpose of helping a couple to conceive.

There are two main halachic options for collecting semen: through relations with a sterile semen-collection condom, or through manual stimulation.

Many halachic authorities prefer collection through relations with a condom, since it more closely mimics regular relations. Others, including our site’s founding rabbinic supervisor, Rav Yehuda Henkin z”l, maintain that both alternatives are equally permissible and leave choice of methods to a couple’s preference.

For more details on each method, please see our site’s article on hotza’at zera and semen collection. Then please get back to us with any follow up questions.

You may also find it helpful to arrange a free consultation with a Yoetzet Halacha Fertility Counselor, details here.

B’hatzlacha!

This response was updated on 2 May, 2021.