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Published on: November 18, 2017
A comparative study of raw and prepared semen samples from two consecutive days
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|July 10, 2001
Summary
Second semen samples, collected 24 hours after the first, showed improved sperm morphology and acrosome reaction rates, particularly for men with initially subnormal semen quality. This suggests a potential benefit for sperm analysis and fertility treatments.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Sperm Analysis
Background:
- Semen quality assessment is crucial for male fertility evaluation.
- Understanding the impact of sample collection timing on sperm parameters is important for optimizing assisted reproductive technologies.
- Previous studies have explored variations in semen parameters but a direct comparison of consecutive day samples with advanced analysis is less common.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare conventional and computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) parameters, and acrosome reaction rates between two consecutive semen samples.
- To evaluate the effect of a 24-hour interval on sperm quality in raw and prepared samples.
- To assess if sample collection day influences outcomes for men with normal versus subnormal baseline semen parameters.
Main Methods:
- Semen samples were collected from male partners undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI).
- The first sample was collected after 2-7 days of abstinence, and the second sample 24 hours later.
- Both samples underwent conventional analysis, CASA for motility characteristics, and assessment of calcium ionophore-induced acrosome reaction after processing.
Main Results:
- Day 2 raw and prepared samples showed reduced semen volume, sperm concentration, and total motile sperm compared to Day 1.
- However, Day 2 inseminated samples exhibited significantly increased normal morphology, improved motility characteristics, and a higher percentage of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa.
- Oligospermic, asthenospermic, and teratozoospermic samples demonstrated significant improvements in concentration, motility, and morphology on Day 2 compared to Day 1.
Conclusions:
- Men with normal baseline semen parameters showed improvements in normal morphology and acrosome reaction rates on Day 2.
- Men with subnormal semen parameters on Day 1 experienced significant improvements in sperm concentration, motility parameters, and normal morphology on Day 2.
- These findings suggest that a second semen sample collected 24 hours after the first may yield improved parameters, particularly for individuals with initial semen quality concerns.
