The role of aerobic and anaerobic semen cultures in asymptomatic couples undergoing in vitro fertilization: effects on fertilization and pregnancy rates.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if routine semen culture is useful in asymptomatic couples undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).


METHODS
Prospective data collection.


METHODS
All cultures and IVF cycles were performed at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.


METHODS
All asymptomatic couples undergoing IVF-ET from January 1989 through January 1990.


METHODS
Aerobic and anaerobic cultures were performed on semen samples obtained before IVF.


METHODS
Quantitative semen cultures were evaluated for both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial isolates. Fertilization and pregnancy rates (PRs) were compared in patients with positive and negative semen cultures.


RESULTS
Eighty percent of cultures contained at least one bacterial isolate. Three of the four most commonly isolated bacteria were normal skin flora. Positive culture results had no effect on either fertilization or PRs.


CONCLUSIONS
Bacterial contamination is common with semen collection, yet routine semen cultures are not beneficial in asymptomatic couples undergoing IVF-ET.
Stovall
D W
DW
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill.
Bailey
L E
LE
Talbert
L M
LM
D000328:Adult; D001420:Bacteria, Aerobic / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D012661:Semen / Q000382:microbiology*