Semen analysis data from fresh and cryopreserved donor ejaculates: comparison of cryoprotectants and pregnancy rates

Abstract

Patients (155) were selected at random for fresh or cryopreserved semen and inseminated on the predicted day of ovulation. Semen analysis was performed using a microcomputerized multiple-exposure photography system. Frozen semen was used with either glycerol or TEST-yolk (TEST-buffered 20% egg yolk with 10% glycerol) as the cryoprotectant. Cryopreservation resulted in significant decreases in all semen parameters measured. Of these, velocity appeared to be the least effected. TEST-yolk provided significantly more protection against a reduction in velocity compared with glycerol. A total of 18, 17, and 27 patients conceived using fresh, glycerol, or TEST-yolk-preserved semen, respectively. For these same groups, a cumulative pregnancy rate of 52.9%, 27.1%, and 68.5%, respectively, was observed (not significant). The total number of motile sperm per insemination used for fresh artificial inseminations resulting in conception (132.4 X 10(6] was significantly greater than the number used for successful glycerol- and TEST-yolk-preserved semen (approximately 24 X 10(6]. These results demonstrate that although the number of motile sperm of cryopreserved ejaculates are dramatically reduced compared with the fresh counterparts, if a minimum criteria for ejaculate quality is established, the use of cryopreserved semen can offer a viable, effective, and relatively safe alternative to artificial insemination by donor with fresh semen.