The effect of temperature on the motility and viability of sperm.
In specimens of semen kept at 37 degrees C sperm lose their motility and viability. If kept at 4 degrees C they retain their viability but lose their motility from so-called thermal shock. The best temperature to keep semen in order to preserve sperm motility is 20 degrees C. Loss of motility at 37 degrees C is not entirely prevented by prevention of bacterial contamination with antibiotics.
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology; D012662:Semen Preservation; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D013696:Temperature
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents