Effect of short-term exposure to two hydrophilic-coated and one gel pre-lubricated urinary catheters on sperm vitality, motility and kinematics in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the in vitro effect of a short-term exposure to two hydrophilic-coated and one gel pre-lubricated urinary catheters on human sperm quality.


METHODS
Semen samples of various qualities were coincubated with each catheter for 5 min at 37 degrees C. The percentages of live and motile sperm with their kinematic characteristics were blindly assessed in control and treated samples at the end of the coincubation and 10 and 55 min later.


RESULTS
The three catheters had no effect on sperm vitality. Similarly, the lubricated catheter and one hydrophilic-coated catheter negligibly modulated sperm motility. In contrast, the other hydrophilic-coated catheter tested had a significant negative effect on sperm movement.


CONCLUSIONS
Further studies are warranted, the issue being especially relevant to the collection of spermatozoa in spinal cord diseased patients catheterizing themselves several times a day. In this population, compounds releasing from the catheter and accumulating in the urethra could be an additional factor contributing to the poor sperm quality.
Auger
J
J
Service of Histology-Embriology and Reproductive Biology, Center for the Study and Preservation of Human Ova and Sperm (CECOS), Cochin Hospital, Paris, France. jacques.auger@cch.aphp.fr
Rihaoui
R
R
François
N
N
Eustache
F
F
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D005782:Gels / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000187:drug effects; D012662:Semen Preservation / Q000379:methods; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D005782:Gels