Correlation of Computerized Semen Analysis with Successful Fertilization of Oocytes in an in Vitro Fertilization Program

Abstract

Sixty-nine couples enrolled in 123 in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer cycles were categorized by percentage fertilization; the results of categorization were compared with those of computerized semen analysis carried out with the CellSoft semen analyzer. Four groups were established: group 1 had 75% fertilization or greater; group 2 had 34% to 74% fertilization; group 3 had 1% to 33% fertilization; and group 4 had 0% fertilization. Statistical differences in certain semen parameters (motility, linearity, and straight-line velocity) were found comparing groups 1 and 3 using the initial ejaculate. A significant number of patients in group 1 had all normal semen parameters, but no statistical difference could be found in group 3 or 4 because of variations in specific abnormal parameters in the groups. When the straight-line velocity-motile density (SLVMD) calculation was used, a significant difference was seen between group 1 and group 3 and between group 1 and group 4 (p less than 0.01); 65% of group 3 and 76% of group 4 had an abnormal SLVMD. SLVMD is a useful calculation to predict fertilization rates in vitro from the initial ejaculate.

Spermatozoa Recovered by Ixaprep Gradient have Improved Longevity and Better Motion Characteristics than Those by Percoll Gradient

“…VCL, VSL and ALH were all documented to correlate with the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa [6] as well as reproductive outcomes [5,14,151. Chan et al [5] reported that in women undergoing in vitro fertilization, VCL was much higher for fertile couples when compared with fertile couples.…”

Hyperactivation of capacitated human sperm correlates with the zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction of zona pellucida-bound sperm

“…In the literature, it has been reported that sperm velocities (VSL, VCL and VAP) or some of the movement characteristics assessed by CASA, together with normal sperm morphology, were significantly related to fertilization rate in IVF, natural conception or pregnancy with intrauterine insemination in subfertile men (Check et al, 1990;Liu et al, 1991;Irvine et al, 1994;Hirano et al, 2001;Larsen et al, 2000;Garrett et al, 2003;Shibahara et al, 2003). However, there are not many studies on the relationship between HA and the sperm fertilizing ability.…”

Are the characteristics of spermatozoa in the insemination medium useful for predicting in‐vitro fertilization results?

“…Motility, especially computerized motion parameters, has also been reported to be predictive of IVF results. (Check et al, 1990;Fetterolf & Rogers, 1990;Kaskar et al, 1994) and to be improved after Percoll preparation (Menkveld et al, 1990;Pousette et al, 1986).…”