The Benefit of Semen Cryostorage on Certain Sperm Function Parameters Following in Vitro Activation

Abstract

Background: Under different circumstances, adequate production of the semen specimen followed by preparation for intrauterine insemination (IUI) is of utmost importance at many centers. Cryostorage for 24 - 48 hours, could solve the problem of semen to the performance of IUI. It is also advantageous if the male partner has difficulty in producing a semen sample or not available at the time of IUI and reducing psychological pressure on the day of his partner's aiming for repeating insemination after 24 hr. Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the beneficial effect of semen cryostored at 5 degrees centigrade (5°C) for 24 hr by modifying Tris Solution (MTS) mixed with 30% egg yolk (EY) on maintaining the functional and fecundity sperm parameters of patient`s semen. Materials & Methods: Thirty eight infertile patient`s semen samples (who was visiting the High Institute of Infertility Diagnosis & Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) for three weeks) were involved in this study. Semen analysis was done for all samples as recommended by (WHO Laboratory Manual for the examination of human semen and sperm–cervical mucus interaction 1999). The patient`s semen samples were divided into two groups; both groups were activated in vitro with FertiCultTM medium using the simple layer method (SLM) for 30 min; a second group treated with (MTS) mixed with 30% (EY) and cryostorage for 24 hr after activation. Results: The results showed a highly significant (P<0.001) improved of all the certain sperm function parameters of group 2 (cryostorage group) compared with group 1. It showed also improvement of all parameters of infertile men semen. There was a highly significant (P<0.001) increase in the percentage of grade A and grade B active sperm motility in group 2 compared with group 1. Conclusions: It is concluded that the use of (MTS) with 30% (EY) maintains adequate sperm viability and fecundity after 24 hr of cryostorage, and it was extremely recommended for patients requiring intrauterine insemination (IUI) in different circumstances.