7 - Semen: analysis and processing

Summary

Semen analysis provides information on sperm production by the testes, spermiogenesis, or sperm maturation as evidenced by sperm morphology, sperm function demonstrated by motility, and lastly, secretion of the genital tract accessory glands. Semen collection at the laboratory facility allows control of the time to analysis and proper holding temperature before analysis. The most recent edition of the WHO semen analysis manual utilizes a morphology classification that is more closely related to the strict criteria of assessment. There are many different laboratory procedures used to process or wash sperm for intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). Methods include simple washing-centrifugation, swim-up from a pellet of sperm or swim-up from the semen itself in a test-tube, and density gradient centrifugation. Semen cryopreservation is a relatively routine procedure available in most specialized andrology and assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories.