Improvement in the cervical mucus penetration test by using standard sperm control

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Andrology
• Sperm Analysis

Background:

• The cervical mucus penetration test (CMPT) is crucial for evaluating sperm function.
• Establishing standardized conditions for CMPT, particularly sperm concentration, is essential for reliable results.
• The impact of sperm processing, such as freeze-thawing, on CMPT performance needs clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the minimal progressive motile spermatozoa concentration (PMSC) yielding the highest CMPT score.
• To compare CMPT performance using fresh versus frozen-thawed sperm specimens.
• To establish an acceptable standard for the CMPT.

Main Methods:

• Semen was collected from 29 fertile donors.
• Progressive motile spermatozoa concentration (PMSC) was adjusted to 8, 10, and 14 x 10(6)/mL for fresh and frozen-thawed samples.
• Each sperm sample dilution was tested against the same cervical mucus specimen.

Main Results:

• No significant difference was observed in CMPT scores between fresh and frozen-thawed sperm samples.
• Sperm specimens with a PMSC of 14 x 10(6)/mL consistently achieved the highest CMPT scores.
• A minimal PMSC of 14 x 10(6)/mL is recommended for reliable CMPT results.

Conclusions:

• The minimal progressive motile spermatozoa concentration (PMSC) required for optimal CMPT performance is 14 x 10(6)/mL.
• Cryopreservation does not adversely affect sperm performance in the CMPT.
• Pooled, cryopreserved fertile donor sperm specimens can be utilized as a standardized control for CMPT.