Office-based sperm concentration: A simplified method for intrauterine insemination therapy

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Andrology
• Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Background:

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a cost-effective first-line fertility treatment for mild male subfertility.
• Developing countries often lack the advanced laboratory facilities required for standard ART.
• A simplified method for sperm assessment is needed for wider IUI accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a simplified one-step technique for determining sperm concentration ranges for IUI.
• To facilitate IUI as a primary infertility treatment option, especially in resource-limited areas.

Main Methods:

• Semen samples from 51 donors were analyzed after swim-up separation.
• Progressive motile sperm were counted in a standardized wet preparation under 400x magnification.
• Sperm counts were categorized into three estimated ranges: <40, 40-100, and >101 spermatozoa per droplet.

Main Results:

• Estimated sperm concentrations were correlated with actual counts using a Neubauer chamber.
• Groups showed mean estimated sperm counts of 20, 71, and >100, corresponding to Neubauer counts of 2.5 x 10^6/mL, 16 x 10^6/mL, and 48.3 x 10^6/mL, respectively.
• The method demonstrated a viable approach for estimating sperm concentration for IUI.

Conclusions:

• The simplified method supports the feasibility of IUI as a first-line infertility treatment.
• This approach can help overcome resource limitations in implementing IUI.
• Further application of IUI in selected male subfertility cases is recommended.