Seasonal variations in pre- and post-thaw donor sperm quality

Authors: L. Yogev¹; S. Kleiman²; E. Shabtai³; A. Botchan²; R. Gamzu²; G. Paz²; H. Yavetz²; R. Hauser²

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 19, Number 4, April 2004 , pp. 880-885(6)

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to evaluate seasonal variability in the quality of pre- and post-thaw semen parameters among sperm bank donors. METHODS: The first two consecutive ejaculates during the months March (spring, 92 males), June (summer, 97 males), September (autumn, 81 males) and December (winter, 97 males) were analysed. A comparison was made between sperm parameters from the same sperm donor at different seasons. Only males who donated semen samples during at least two seasons were enrolled in the study group (n = 103). Sperm specimens were cryopreserved in aliquots with fixed range of 8–12 × 10⁶/ml of progressive motile sperm concentration after thawing. RESULTS: Differences between months were found in sperm concentration (P = 0.030) and normal morphology (P = 0.038); highest values were found in March and December, and the lowest in September. Mean specimen volume and percent of motile sperm cells did not vary throughout the seasons. The freezability of the donors’ sperm dropped dramatically from March to September, as determined by the number of straws (fixed aliquots of 0.5 ml) and total thawed progressive motile sperm that were cryopreserved for each male (P = 0.017 and P = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Cryopreservation of donor sperm is more effective during winter and spring than during the rest of the year.

Keywords: : cryopreservation/donor sperm/season/sperm bank

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deh165

Affiliations: 1: To whom correspondence should be addressed at: The Institute for the Study of Fertility, Lis Maternity Hospital, 2: The Institute for the Study of Fertility, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, affiliated to Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel 3: Statistic department Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel. e-mail: layogev@zahav.net.il

Publication date: 2004-04-01

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Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

Seasonal variations in pre- and post-thaw donor sperm quality

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