The Effects of Swim up Method on Sperm Parameters

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

2 Assistant Professor of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Approximately, 10-15% of couples suffer from infertility. Various therapeutic approaches have been used to treat infertility; however for those who do not response to treatment using some methods to assist fertility are inevitable. Swim up is one of these methods that enhance the sperm quality. This aim of study was to determine the effects of swim up method on motility, density and morphology of sperms.
 
Methods and Material: In this experimental-analytical study the semen specimens of 30 individuals with normal parameters (for selection of sperm with better quality) referred to Fateme-Alzahra Infertility Center affiliated to Babol University of Medical Sciences for performing in-vitro fertilization were used. The men with cigarette smoking or addiction excluded. Pre-and post swim-up data including the count, motility, morphology, and grading of sperms were recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 10. Paired t test was used for analysis.
 
Results: The mean sperm count after swim up (64.1×106) was significantly (p<0.001) lower than before the swim up (87.3×106). Mean sperm motility was 60.3% before swim up and 85.8% after swim up (p<0.001). By using swim up method 2.5% (p=0.083), 12.6% (p<0.001) and 21.6٪ (p=0.003) improvement was seen in sperm grade I , II and III respectively .The mean percentage of sperms with normal morphology before and after the swim-up was 11.2% and 16.3%, respectively (p<0.001).
 
Conclusion: Preparation of sperms by swim-up method improves the normal sperm morphology, motility, and grading.

Keywords

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