Towards Better Assisted Reproductive Techniques Outcomes: Using Platelet-Rich Plasma to Improve Sperm Motility.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Andrology
• Cell Therapy

Background:

• Asthenozoospermia, characterized by poor sperm motility, is a common cause of male infertility.
• Current treatments for asthenozoospermia are limited, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in enhancing sperm motility in men with asthenozoospermia.
• To explore the potential application of PRP in improving outcomes for intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized controlled pilot study involving 40 men with asthenozoospermia.
• Semen samples were divided into autologous, non-activated PRP-treated and control groups.
• Sperm motility was assessed at multiple time points (1, 3, 6, and 24 hours) using a Makler chamber.

Main Results:

• PRP treatment resulted in significantly higher sperm motility compared to controls across all assessed time points (p < 0.001).
• PRP demonstrated a protective effect, slowing the decline of sperm motility over a 24-hour period.
• At 24 hours, sperm motility was 50.5% in the PRP group versus 21.1% in the control group.

Conclusions:

• Platelet-rich plasma significantly enhances and preserves sperm motility during in vitro incubation.
• PRP may offer a supportive strategy for sperm preparation in IUI, potentially reducing the need for more invasive interventions.
• Further research is recommended to validate these findings and assess clinical pregnancy rates.