Semen collection is an essential step in assisted reproduction, yet little attention has been given to the conditions of the collection environment and the potential effects these conditions may have on sperm quality and clinical outcomes. Recent evidence suggests that the physical and chemical environment of standard collection containers may contribute to membrane disruption, organelle dysfunction, and DNA damage, all of which can limit or prevent successful fertilization. Previous work from this laboratory described a device for improved semen collection (DISC) that incorporates structural features and antioxidant scavengers within the plastic matrix to help maintain sperm biochemical stability. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the original DISC scavenger formulation and a secondgeneration formulation (DISC+) designed to optimize reactive oxygen species scavenging, in mitigating loss of biochemical function in human sperm collected and maintained over time. These devices were compared with the specimen collection cup routinely used in most infertility clinics.
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