Influence of swim-up method on the recovery of spermatozoa from different types of semen samples

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of swim-up method using different types of semen samples. Methods: In this retrospective study undertaken in university medical college infertility centre, subfertile couples undergoing Intra Uterine Insemination were selected. A total of 600 semen samples wed for the preparation of sperm samples using swim-rep method were analyzed. Relative Yield was calculated from the sperm count and motility before and after swim up from each semen sample in sir different groups. Result(s): Statistically significant increase in relative yield was found in oligospermic samples (20.41) followed by teratospermia (16.98). However, relative yield was low in asthenospermic (11.97) and normal (> 60 million/ml) samples (11.66). Conclusion(s); Semen samples with good sperm count resulted in poor recovery after swim up. Swim-up method appears to be effective for oligospermic samples. Modifications like multiple tube swim up, using appropriate incubation rime based on the initial semen parameter, will enhance the sperm yield after swim up.