Over the last forty years, in vitro fertilization, which has expanded to assisted reproductive technologies (ART),
has gone from an experimental procedure to the mainstay of infertility
treatment. A technique that once made news with each birth is now responsible
for 2% - 3% of the babies born in several nations of the world. This has
happened due to significant advances in hormone therapies, culture techniques,
and the specialization of equipment designed to support oocytes and embryos.
However, for all the advances made to support female fertility, little has
changed in male treatment since the advent of intracytoplasmic sperm injection
in the early 1990’s. Recently, a number of authors have documented problems
with sperm preparation techniques. Some report DNA damage, others membrane and
organelle issues, all of which potentially hamper fertilization rates and
possibly take-home baby rates. Further, as the clinical workload of ART has
increased and staffing shortages have become critical, all labs are looking for
simpler, more efficient ways to perform job functions. This study describes a
simple, one-step method for preparing semen samples for ART. This new technique
minimizes excessive manipulation of the sample compared to current standards
and is less likely to cause cell damage. Preliminary results suggest a
significant enhancement in recovered sample motility and an optimal sample for
ART procedures with minimal sample manipulation.
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