Sperm Parameters before and after Swim-Up of a Second Ejaculate after a Short Period of Abstinence

Abstract

Background: Recent studies have supported the beneficial effects of a short abstinence period on sperm parameters. The aim of this study was to assess sperm motility, morphology and DNA fragmentation before and after swim-up of a second ejaculate obtained after a short abstinence period in normozoospermic men and oligo-astheno-teratozoospermic (OAT) patients. Material and methods: Semen analyses and swim-up preparations of two consecutive semen samples (collected within 1 h) were carried out in 30 normozoospermic and 35 OAT patients enrolled in an assisted reproductive technique (ART) program. Results: Compared to the first ejaculate, the second sample showed a higher percentage of spermatozoa with normal form (p p p p p p p < 0.001) compared to the first one. Conclusions: Swim-up separation of a second ejaculate collected within 1 h might be suggested for ART procedures, especially in OAT patients.

Keywords

• sperm morphology
• sperm motility
• sperm DNA fragmentation
• ART
• semen analysis