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Seasonal variations in pre- and post-thaw donor sperm quality
L Yogev1, S Kleiman, E Shabtai
1The Institute for the Study of Fertility, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, affiliated to Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel. layogev@zahav.net.il
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|March 3, 2004
Summary
Sperm quality for cryopreservation varies seasonally, with higher sperm concentration and normal morphology observed in spring and winter. Donor sperm cryopreservation is most effective during these colder months.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Andrology
- Sperm Cryopreservation
Background:
- Seasonal variations can impact sperm quality in sperm bank donors.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for optimizing sperm banking procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate seasonal variability in pre- and post-thaw semen parameters.
- To determine the impact of season on sperm cryopreservation effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of ejaculates from 103 sperm donors across four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter).
- Semen samples were cryopreserved with a fixed concentration of progressive motile sperm post-thaw.
- Comparison of sperm parameters within the same donor across different seasons.
Main Results:
- Sperm concentration and normal morphology were highest in March (spring) and December (winter), and lowest in September (autumn).
- No significant seasonal variation was observed in mean specimen volume or percent motile sperm cells.
- Sperm freezability significantly decreased from spring to autumn, impacting cryopreservation yield.
Conclusions:
- Cryopreservation of donor sperm yields better results during winter and spring.
- Seasonal factors influence sperm quality and cryopreservation success rates.