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.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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.
Zimmerman
E R
ER
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616.
Robertson
K R
KR
Kim
H
H
Drobnis
E Z
EZ
Nakajima
S T
ST
D000328:Adult; D002469:Cell Separation; D006801:Humans; D007315:Insemination, Artificial; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000166:cytology*; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology*