Improvement in semen quality using glass bead column.
Fertilizing ability of semen requires the presence of viable and motile spermatozoa whose surface-membrane integrity is maintained. Male infertility is often the result of these variables being suboptimal. Various in vitro methods have been reported that separate good-quality spermatozoa from such ejaculates. In this study we describe a simple procedure that uses a column of glass beads to separate spermatozoa from poor quality semen. The filtered spermatozoa have significantly better progressive motility and viability and also have enhanced fertilizing capacity. Such a method may have clinical use for semen preparation prior to intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization. It may also have a role in the assessment of semen to determine fertilization potential and hence provide prognostic information to infertile couples.
Daya
S
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Gwatkin
R B
RB
Awatkin
R B
RB
D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods*; D002470:Cell Survival; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005374:Filtration; D005898:Glass; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000473:pathology*; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*