Association of Sperm Preparation and Fertilization Media Combinations With Fertilization Outcomes in Conventional In...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
• Embryology

Background:

• Short gamete co-incubation is standard in conventional IVF to limit oocyte-sperm exposure and identify fertilization issues early.
• Optimal laboratory conditions for fertilization outcomes under short co-incubation require further characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if different sperm preparation and fertilization media combinations influence fertilization outcomes in conventional IVF using short gamete co-incubation.
• To compare fertilization rates (2PN, 0PN) and embryo quality across distinct laboratory protocols.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 738 mature oocytes from 108 conventional IVF cycles.
• Cycles were grouped (A, B, C) based on specific sperm preparation and fertilization media combinations used during distinct periods.
• Multivariable logistic regression with cycle-clustered robust standard errors analyzed fertilization outcomes (2PN, 0PN) and Day 2 embryo quality.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in 2PN fertilization rates were observed: 43.0% (Group A), 59.8% (Group B), and 66.9% (Group C) (p < 0.001).
• 0PN fertilization rates were highest in Group A (49.8%) compared to Group B (30.8%) and Group C (21.5%) (p < 0.001).
• Group B showed significantly higher adjusted odds of 2PN fertilization compared to Group A (aOR, 2.307; p = 0.017). Group C exhibited a similar trend (aOR, 2.738; p = 0.050).

Conclusions:

• Sperm preparation and fertilization media combinations significantly affect 2PN and 0PN fertilization outcomes in short co-incubation IVF.
• Specific media protocols (Group B and C) demonstrated improved odds of successful fertilization compared to Group A.
• Findings are hypothesis-generating, necessitating prospective studies to confirm efficacy and assess downstream reproductive outcomes.