Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 20, 2026

U-Shaped Horizontal Swimming Technique for Preparing High-Quality Sperm with Low DNA Fragmentation Index
09:16

U-Shaped Horizontal Swimming Technique for Preparing High-Quality Sperm with Low DNA Fragmentation Index

Published on: March 28, 2025

Less NO production and better motion parameter in human sperm by swim-up processing

Gwo-Jang Wu1, Dah-Ching Ding, I-Gin Chen

  • 1Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. gwojang@yahoo.com

Archives of Andrology
|November 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The direct swim-up method significantly improves sperm motility and recovery rates compared to the IxaPrep method. Lower nitric oxide (NO) production in the swim-up group correlates with better sperm quality.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Andrology
  • Sperm Preparation Techniques

Background:

  • Sperm preparation is crucial for assisted reproductive technologies.
  • Evaluating different sperm preparation methods is essential for optimizing outcomes.
  • Nitric oxide (NO) may play a role in sperm quality and function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of the direct swim-up method versus the IxaPrep method for sperm preparation.
  • To assess the impact of these methods on sperm motility, recovery rate, and motion parameters.
  • To investigate nitric oxide (NO) production during sperm preparation using these two techniques.

Main Methods:

  • Fifteen human semen specimens were analyzed.
  • Each specimen was divided into two aliquots for preparation using direct swim-up and IxaPrep methods.
  • Sperm motility, recovery rate, motion parameters (VAP, VSL), and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured at various time points (1, 3, 6 hours).

Main Results:

  • The direct swim-up method yielded a significantly higher motile sperm recovery rate (69.5% vs 49.3%).
  • Direct swim-up demonstrated significantly better sperm motility across all time points compared to IxaPrep.
  • While both methods improved sperm motion parameters (VAP, VSL) over pre-wash, no significant difference was found between the methods. NO production was lower in the direct swim-up group initially, suggesting a link to improved sperm quality.

Conclusions:

  • The direct swim-up method is superior to IxaPrep for enhancing sperm motility and recovery.
  • Reduced nitric oxide (NO) production during direct swim-up may contribute to the observed improvement in sperm quality.
  • These findings have implications for optimizing sperm preparation protocols in fertility treatments.

More Related Videos

Fish Sperm Assessment Using Software and Cooling Devices07:57

Fish Sperm Assessment Using Software and Cooling Devices

Published on: July 28, 2018

Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation03:28

Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation

Published on: November 29, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Spermatogenesis01:41

Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...
Sperm Transport01:15

Sperm Transport

The journey of sperm from its origin to the point of ejaculation begins within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Here, Sertoli cells produce fluid that propels non-motile sperm through a series of conduits, starting with the straight tubules leading to the rete testis. This interconnected network of tubules acts as the initial pathway for sperm, guiding them into the efferent ductules and then into the epididymis for maturation.
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
Fertilization01:38

Fertilization

During fertilization, an egg and sperm cell fuse to create a new diploid structure. In humans, the process occurs once the egg has been released from the ovary, and travels into the fallopian tubes. The process requires several key steps: 1) sperm present in the genital tract must locate the egg; 2) once there, sperm need to release enzymes to help them burrow through the protective zona pellucida of the egg; and 3) the membranes of a single sperm cell and egg must fuse, with the sperm...