Male Fertility Evaluation
Routine Semen Analysis
Anyone who is having trouble conceiving should have a semen analysis done. In about 40% of infertile couples, the cause of the infertility lies with the males, and this could easily and quickly be diagnosed via a semen analysis.
Strict Sperm Morphology Evaluation
Normal sperm morphology has been shown to be predictive of IVF outcome/success. The AIA evaluates normal sperm morphology using either or both WHO standards and also strict criteria methodologies. The strict criteria is based on the shape and appearance of post-coital sperm found in the internal os. Basically, the sperm should have a smooth oval head, with no defects in the neck or tail regions. The percentage of normal sperm assessed using this method has been shown to correlate with other sperm functions such as sperm motility, binding to the egg investments and subsequent fertilization (3,4). Normal values should be greater than 14% normal sperm.
Isolation of High Quality Sperm using SpermPrep™ and other technologies
In order for fertilization to occur, high quality, motile spermatozoa need to be separated from the seminal specimen. Since there is great diversity in semen profiles, especially among infertile men, here at AIA, each specimen undergoes a special "tailor-made" procedure to isolate the best sperm for ART and IUI. For this purpose, we have developed numerous innovative techniques depending on the quality of the specimen. Among these are the SpermPrep I and II columns, the ZSC I, ZSC-II and Multi-ZSC technologies, all developed by our very own Research and Development Program at AIA (5,6,7). For more information on these products, please visit www.zdlinc.com
Sperm Longevity Testing
The duration of sperm motility and overall physical activity is also an important indicator of sperm function and vitality. This is tested to ensure that sperm do not "die off" after a certain period of time.
Hypo-Osmotic Swelling Testing
HOS-test is used to test the integrity of the sperm cell membrane using the principle of osmotic differences. When normal sperm are placed in a hypoosmotic solution, water moves across the cell membrane into the sperm cell causing it to swell. If the membrane is damaged, then this transport of water will not occur and no swelling will take place. Thus, the percentage of swollen spermatozoa is the measure of intact membranes and hence sperm viability and fecundity (8,9).
Anti-sperm Antibody Testing
These are antibodies produced by the immune system that mistake sperm for invading substances and begin to attack them. The presence of anti-sperm antibodies has been shown to cause immobilization and agglutination of sperm, thereby preventing sperm from reaching the oocyte (10). Anti-sperm antibodies can be detected in serum, seminal plasma, cervical mucus and other reproductive tract fluids (tubal, follicular, uterine). It is estimated that 5-10% of male infertility is caused by antisperm antibodies and 10-15% of women with unexplained infertility have circulating sperm antibodies in their system.
Isolation and Selection of Round Spermatids for ICSI
Round spermatids are immature sperm cells which can be used for injection directly into the oocyte via ICSI. Usually this is the method of choice when there are no sperm present in the testis or epididymis. We offer a Hyper-osmotic Shrinkage Test (HYOS-test), that we developed at AIA, to identify and select round spermatids with intact membranes, for microinjection via ICSI (14).
For semen collection we recommend the use of the ZSCD.
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The newest and most advanced product for semen collection at intercourse. To order, please visit our distribution site, ZDL, Inc.
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General Disclaimer
The information on this site is intended for information and educational purposes only. Professor Zavos is not a real medical doctor and therefore nothing on this site, nor any correspondence with him, should not be taken as medical advice. Contacting the International Institute for Gender Selection does not constitute a patient/doctor relationship.