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Improvement in the cervical mucus penetration test by using standard sperm control
1Institute for the Study of Fertility, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
Abstract:
The objective of the present experiments was to establish an acceptable standard for the cervical mucus penetration test (CMPT) by determining the minimal progressive motile spermatozoa concentration (PMSC) that will yield the highest score for proven fertile donor sperm specimens. For this purpose, fresh and frozen-thawed samples were used. Semen was obtained from 29 fertile donors and different PMSC (8, 10, and 14 x 10(6)/mL) were prepared for each sample. The same mucus specimen was used for testing each sperm sample in the three different dilutions. No difference in the scoring of the CMPT between the fresh vs. frozen-thawed groups was found. When PMSC of 14 x 10(6)/mL was used, almost all specimens scored the highest rank. The present study revealed that only semen samples with a minimal PMSC of 14 x 10(6)/mL cells can be used in the CMPT. The information that the freeze-thaw process does not affect the CMPT results supports the concept of cryopreservation of pooled fertile donor specimens in aliquots with adequate concentration of progressive motile spermatozoa for later use as a CMPT control.
Insights
The cervical mucus penetration test (CMPT) requires a minimal progressive motile spermatozoa concentration (PMSC) of 14 x 10(6)/mL for optimal results. Freeze-thawing sperm samples does not impact CMPT outcomes, supporting cryopreservation for future use.
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.