A simplified method for freezing and storage of human semen

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Cryobiology
• Andrology

Background:

• Semen cryopreservation is crucial for assisted reproductive technologies.
• Traditional methods involve multiple manipulation steps, increasing risk of error.
• A simplified, efficient method for semen storage is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the efficacy of 10-cm tuberculin syringes for human semen cryopreservation.
• To compare the performance of semen stored in tuberculin syringes with semen stored in conventional french straws.

Main Methods:

• Human semen samples were frozen and stored using 10-cm tuberculin syringes.
• Post-thaw analysis included sperm motility, cervical mucus penetration, and hamster ovum penetration assays.
• Clinical efficacy was assessed via post-insemination tests and pregnancy rates in donor insemination cycles.

Main Results:

• Spermatozoa stored in tuberculin syringes demonstrated motility and penetration capabilities similar to those stored in french straws.
• Post-insemination tests showed slightly lower efficacy with cryopreserved semen compared to fresh semen.
• Donor insemination cycles resulted in a pregnancy rate of 20.8% (5/22) with tuberculin syringe-stored semen.

Conclusions:

• 10-cm tuberculin syringes provide a viable and simplified alternative for human semen cryopreservation.
• This method minimizes pre- and post-thawing manipulations.
• Further clinical studies are warranted to optimize pregnancy rates using this novel storage technique.