Selecting The Best Sperm for IUI & IVF

In this training video, we will discuss Selecting the best sperm for IUI and IVF is crucial for maximizing the chances of successful treatment and ensuring the health of resulting embryos.

Importance of Sperm Selection in Assisted Reproductive Technologies

• Ensures optimal chances of successful fertilization and healthy embryos
• Reduces the risk of genetic abnormalities in offspring
• Improves overall success rates for IUI and IVF procedures

Semen Analysis and Key Parameters

• Semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology
• Semen pH and vitality
• Assessment by andrologists and embryologists

Sperm Morphology

• Examination of sperm shape, size, and structure
• Indicator of sperm health and fertilization potential
• World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for normal morphology

Varicocele

A condition characterized by enlarged veins in the scrotum that can negatively affect sperm production and quality, but may be treated to enhance sperm parameters.

Impact on sperm production and quality

• Enlarged veins in the scrotum disrupt normal blood flow
• Increased scrotal temperature hinders sperm production
• Reduced sperm count, motility, and morphology

Potential treatment to improve sperm parameters

• Varicocelectomy: Surgical procedure to repair the enlarged veins
• Embolization: A minimally invasive technique to block blood flow to the affected veins
• Post-treatment improvements in sperm count, motility, and overall fertility

Advanced Sperm Selection Techniques

• Oocyte Fertilization Index (OFI): A method to predict fertilization potential by evaluating the interaction between sperm and oocyte.
• Zeta potential: A technique that selects sperm based on their surface charge, which correlates with maturity and DNA integrity
• Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS): A procedure that separates healthy, apoptotic, and dead sperm using magnetic beads for improved fertilization outcomes.
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A technique where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg, enhancing fertilization rates in cases of severe male infertility
• Intracytoplasmic Morphologically Selected Sperm Injection (IMSI): An advanced ICSI procedure that involves selecting sperm based on their morphology under high magnification to improve fertilization and embryo quality.
• Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (PICSI): A modified ICSI method that selects sperm based on their ability to bind to hyaluronic acid, mimicking natural sperm selection in the female reproductive tract

Assessing Sperm Vacuoles

• High magnification to evaluate the presence of vacuoles
• Correlation with reduced fertilization rates and embryo quality

Hyaluronic Acid Binding Assay (HBA)

• Selecting sperm with better DNA integrity and maturity
• Enanced fertilization and embryo development potential

Sperm Retrieval Techniques

• Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA)
• Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (PESA)
• Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)
• Microsurgical Testicular Sperm Extraction (MTESE)

Improving Sperm Quality with Supplements and Lifestyle Changes

• Carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to enhance sperm motility and function
• Healthy diet, exercise, and stress management
• Smoking cessation and reduced alcohol consumption

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and Sperm Selection

• Washing and concentration of sperm sample
• Importance of selecting high-quality sperm for IUI success

The Role of Andrologists and Embryologists

• Expertise in sperm assessment and selection
• Collaboration to optimize sperm selection for IUI and IVF procedures

A comprehensive semen analysis, advanced sperm selection techniques, and the expertise of andrologists and embryologists are all essential components in this process.