Are the characteristics of spermatozoa in the insemination medium useful for predicting in‐vitro fertilization results?

Abstract

To determine whether the characteristics of Percoll-selected spermatozoa are more predictive of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) results than are those of native semen, 118 semen samples from patients undergoing an IVF attempt were studied. Motility, using computer-assisted sperm analysis, and morphology were recorded before and after sperm selection on a Percoll gradient. Percoll selection increased the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa (58.2 +/- 19.9% versus 47.9 +/- 17.9%; p < 0.0001). This increase concerned almost all abnormalities and especially abnormalities of the midpiece (cytoplasmic droplets and bent tails). However, morphology of spermatozoa in the Percoll fraction had the same predictive value for IVF as did that for whole semen. Concerning motility, all parameters, except linearity, were improved by Percoll preparation, and their predictive value for IVF results was significantly higher in the Percoll fraction than in native semen. Therefore, it is concluded that, even if sperm characteristics are improved dramatically after Percoll selection, only motility analysis then gave more practical information than did analysis of sperm characteristics in native semen. This suggests that impairment of spermiogenesis, which presumably induces sperm abnormalities, is more important than are the actual characteristics of the spermatozoa.

Computer assisted sperm analysis: Relationship between the movement characteristics of buffalo spermatozoa and sire fertility

“…Thus it is quite logical to expect that motility percentage is positively related to fertility of a bull. Further, it has been reported that the Percoll selection (selection of motile spermatozoa) significantly increased the predictive value of IVF results compared to native semen samples (Parinaud et al, 1996) indicating that high number of motile spermatozoa observed in high fertile bulls might have resulted in high conception rates in these bulls compared to others. Rodriguez-Martinez (2013) also reported that sperm motility has been statistically related to fertility even for post-thawed semen in bulls.…”

Usefulness of Sperm Quality Analyzer-v (Sqa-V) for the Assessment of Sperm Quality in Infertile Men

“…Therefore, sperm velocity, one of the CASA estimates, is a sensitive indicator of sperm functional ability in a postcoital test, artificial insemination with the husband's semen [7] and fertilization rates in IVF [8,18]. Up to now, we also have shown that CASA and SQA are likely to be useful in the clinical practice of infertility as a screening test for semen quality [9].…”

“…One is high precision and the other is provision of quantitative data on sperm kinetics. Up to now, some reports have shown good correlations of sperm motions estimated by CASA with fertilization rates [7,8]. However, CASA instruments are not easy to master and their reliability depends on training, ability, and the experience of the user.…”

Spermatogenesis and spectral echo‐colour Doppler traces from the main testicular artery

“…Spermatogenesis is a suitable target as it directly influences sperm function. Indeed, Percoll-gradient selection of male gametes did not increase the fertilization rate for IVF [16], the fertilization rate after ICSI with UOA testicular sperm was significantly lower than with OA sperm [8], and the presence of germinal round cells in the ejaculate was associated with a reduced ability of sperm to fertilise oocytes in vitro [17].…”