Time-dependent Deterioration of Sperm Motility and DNA Integrity During Prolonged Semen Exposure

Sperm DNA fragmentation is known to be detrimental to sperm quality, which can negatively impact assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. Examining sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in seminal fluid over time can provide insight into the effects of prolonged semen exposure on sperm DNA integrity. In this preliminary study, an SDF assay was performed at various time points to simulate off-site semen collection conditions using the sperm chromatin dispersion assay on 14 normal semen samples. Statistical analysis of DNA fragmentation percentages over the duration of the assay showed that prolonged stagnation of seminal fluid from ejaculation to semen analysis significantly increased DNA fragmentation. Average sperm motility was significantly reduced by 7.4% at 1 h, 14.5% at 2 h, and 18.7% at 4 h, and average SDF was significantly increased by 5.5% at 1 h, 11.5% at 2 h, and 16.1% at 4 h after semen collection. This decrease in sperm quality over time may inform fertility clinics' protocols when considering sperm preparation for ART cycles, especially when semen collection occurs off-site from the andrology lab. Laboratories may consider establishing an acceptable time threshold for receiving semen from off-site collection.