Semen preparation with the Sperm Select System versus a washing technique.

OBJECTIVE

To compare sperm migration through sodium hyaluronate with simple washing as methods for preparing sperm for IUI.

DESIGN

Ten normal semen specimens were prospectively collected and samples were prepared by simple washing and by migration into sodium hyaluronate using the Sperm Select System (Select Medical Systems, Williston, VT). The semen and each treatment group were evaluated for sperm concentration, percent motile, viability, acrosomal status, longevity, and computer-aided semen analysis (CASA) parameters.

SETTING

University reproductive endocrinology facility.

RESULTS

The recovery of motile sperm was significantly higher for the washing method (mean +/- SEM 75% +/- 7%) than for the hyaluronate method (10% +/- 1%). The number of motile sperm recovered by migration into hyaluronate was independent of the percentage of motile sperm in the semen specimen and positively correlated with sperm concentration. The hyaluronate method produced greater percentages of motile, viable, and morphologically normal sperm, with lower proportions of premature acrosome reactions, higher sperm velocity, and greater linearity.

CONCLUSIONS

The Sperm Select System method of sperm separation provides a highly uniform specimen with improved sperm quality. However, the recovery of motile sperm is considerably lower than for simple washing methods.