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Library » Human Sperm Before and After Cryopreservation

The Relative Viability of Human Sperm from the
Vas Deferens, Epididymis and Testis Before
and After Cryopreservation

N. E. Bachtell, J. Conaghan, P. J. Turek
Departments of Urology, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences
University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA


Testicular and epididymal sperm are routinely used with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to achieve pregnancies. In addition, excess cryopreserved sperm can be thawed and used for ICSI. However, information on the recoverability of epididymal and testicular sperm after freeze-thaw is lacking. This is important to determine the feasibility of using previously cryopreserved aspirated sperm for ICSI.

"...We prospectively compared the viability of fresh and frozen-thawed sperm from the vas deferens, epididymis and testicle by several measures. "- Dr. Paul Turek

We prospectively compared the viability of fresh and frozen-thawed sperm from the vas deferens, epididymis and testicle by several measures. Testis sperm was obtained from men with nonobstructive azoospermia (n=5), epididymal sperm from obstructed men (n=8), and vasal sperm by vasal irrigation at vasectomy in fertile men (n=5). The viability of fresh sperm was assessed by motility, by two vital stains (carboxyfluorescein, 0.08mg/mL; and propidium iodide, 20mg/mL), and by the hypoosmotic swelling assay (HOS; 100mM citrate and fructose).

After cryopreservation, sperm were thawed and all viability measures repeated. Although fresh vasal sperm is the most motile, testicular sperm exhibits similar, high viability (91% and 86%, respectively) by vital stain. Sperm from testis, epididymis and vas deferens survive cryopreservation equally well by vital stain, but not by motility. As a selection measure, the HOS assay identifies significantly more viable epididymal and testicular sperm than does motility in both fresh and frozen-thawed populations. It appears feasible to use frozen-thawed extracted sperm for ICSI when motility and a selection measure such as the HOS assay are used. With fresh testis sperm, selection methods may not be necessary prior to ICSI, as cell viability is very high.



Keywords: sperm, semen, sperm viability, cryopreservation, male fertility, van deferens, testis

The Turek Clinic
55 Francisco St, Suite 300
San Francisco CA 94133
www.TheTurekClinic.com
Tel: 415-392-3200

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The Turek Clinic, located in the Northern California San Francisco Bay Area, is a unique men's health clinic dedicated to improving men's reproductive health and male infertility issues. Dr. Paul Turek, our director, is an internationally recognized urologist and dedicated microsurgeon who uses the latest techniques for vasectomy and vasectomy reversal. These include the "no scalpel" vasectomy reversal as well as a form of vasectomy reversal known as invagination epididymovasostomy. Vasectomy and vasectomy reversal costs are not insignificant, so it is important to have a clinic, like ours, which is known to have the highest vasectomy reversal success rates with the fewest complications. Our male fertility specialists can also discuss with you vasectomy and vasectomy reversal alternatives that make sense for you. Contact us now at 415-392-3200 for a consultation. Also, check out our library for extensive information on vasectomies, vasectomy reversals, variocele repair and other minimally invasive procedures.

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