What if the sperm count on the day is very low?
A fresh backup sample or a previously frozen sample may be used. For severely low counts, TESA/PESA (surgical sperm retrieval) may be planned in parallel with egg retrieval.
IVF & Treatment Basics
What is sperm washing and why is it done before IVF or IUI?
Sperm washing is the laboratory process of separating healthy, motile sperm from seminal plasma and non-motile sperm before use in IVF or IUI. It is a routine part of every cycle — not a sign of a problem.
Why Semen Needs to Be Processed
Raw semen is not suitable for direct use in IVF or IUI. Seminal plasma contains prostaglandins that can cause painful uterine contractions when introduced directly into the uterus. It also contains dead sperm, white blood cells, bacteria, and debris that the laboratory needs to remove. Sperm washing concentrates the healthiest, most motile sperm into a small volume of culture medium.
Methods of Sperm Preparation
The most common method is density gradient centrifugation, sperm are layered over a gradient medium and centrifuged; motile sperm migrate to the bottom while debris stays at the top. Swim-up is an alternative where motile sperm migrate upward from a pellet. The choice of method depends on sperm parameters and laboratory preference. Swim-up tends to select for higher morphology; density gradient is preferred for low-count samples.
Sperm Washing and HIV/HBV-Positive Partners
For couples where the male partner is HIV-positive on effective antiretroviral therapy, special sperm washing protocols with PCR testing can reduce transmission risk for IVF. This is now a recognised option in India. Discuss specific requirements with your centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is a sperm sample collected at the clinic?
A: By masturbation into a sterile container, collected at the clinic (preferred) or at home within 30–60 minutes of processing. A period of 2–3 days abstinence before collection is recommended.
Q: What if the sperm count on the day is very low?
A: A fresh backup sample or a previously frozen sample may be used. For severely low counts, TESA/PESA (surgical sperm retrieval) may be planned in parallel with egg retrieval.
Q: Does sperm washing improve sperm quality?
A: It concentrates motile sperm, it does not repair DNA damage or morphological defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sperm washing improve sperm quality?
It concentrates motile sperm, it does not repair DNA damage or morphological defects.
How is a sperm sample collected at the clinic?
By masturbation into a sterile container, collected at the clinic (preferred) or at home within 30–60 minutes of processing. A period of 2–3 days abstinence before collection is recommended.