Fertility Forward: 5 Reasons Sperm Washing Could Be Your Ally
Half of the conception equation involves sperm, making it a crucial topic to discuss! It's not only about having optimal numbers and motility; the quality of the surrounding fluid also plays a significant role. In fact, sperm only make up only a small portion of the whole semen, from 1% to 5% of the total volume (1). Let’s focus on the whole picture. Semen is a mixture of components produced by several different glands, and they need to all be working in harmony to get sperm where they need to go. Each sample, even from the same individual, is unique. Every. Single. One. It's natural to encounter occasional imbalances along the way. Did you know that sperm can be washed to improve your chances of conception during your fertile window? This process is known as sperm washing. In this blog post, we will explore five significant advantages that come from washing your sperm.
One: Eliminates harmful seminal plasma
Seminal plasma is the fluid that surrounds sperm in the ejaculate, containing crucial properties essential for natural conception. However, it also harbors harmful components that can be eliminated through a sperm wash. White blood cells, bacteria, dead sperm, and debris, and metabolic waste are all excreted in the semen. Oxidation from pollution, and even microplastics have been found in semen (9). These components can all add to the stress on the sperm, making it harder to conceive.
Two: Improves forward motility
Each sample can differ greatly in consistency, ranging from watery, lumpy, to sticky, making each sample unique. However, sticky, elastic samples encounter a specific challenge that can be effectively addressed by a sperm wash (2). Sticky samples can literally hold the healthy motile sperm back, making it impossible for them to move from one environment to the next. Isolating these sperm and placing them in a more friendly medium can make all the difference for success. By providing an optimal environment, the sperm are given a better chance to reach and fertilize the egg. Through sperm washing, the journey towards parenthood becomes a little more accessible, bridging the gap between aspiration and reality.
Three: Concentrates sperm
One benefit of a sperm wash is that it concentrates sperm, making fertilization more possible. In samples with lower concentration, or high volume, there may be very few sperm that actually pass the cervix with intercourse. Much of the fluid will actually be lost and spill out of the vagina, especially with high volumes. Once the sample is in the female, there is only so much space for sperm to occupy, so concentrating it makes the most of that space, increasing the number of sperm that can actually make it to the egg. In samples with a count of 10 M/mL or less, pregnancy rates were highest when washed and concentrated (3). Concentration may make more of an impact than total number of sperm, as pregnancy rates don’t go up when greater than 15 million motile sperm are inseminated (4). Bottom line, concentration matters.
Four: Cost-Effective
When it comes to starting a family, costs can add up. Sperm washing is a cost-conscious way to boost your chances of conception. And here's a little secret: you can even get the equipment to do it yourself, all for less than the cost of an IUI cycle with your doctor. It's a step forward that won't break the bank. IVF treatment can reach up to $20,000 for a month of attempts. It may not be necessary for all individuals facing fertility difficulties. Even in samples with very low numbers (less than 1 million), a 28% pregnancy rate has been achieved with sperm washing, which is close to the pregnancy rate in couples not experiencing any challenges conceiving (3). By choosing sperm washing, you can take an affordable and effective step towards growing your family, without the financial strain associated with more invasive fertility treatments.
Five: Selects healthier sperm
The world of sperm washing has come a long way, and we're fortunate to have cutting-edge tech at our disposal. Think of it as a VIP pass for your sperm - only the healthiest and most agile get through. Scientists have been hard at work studying the ins and outs of sperm navigation (7,8), leading to inventions that not only select the most active sperm, but also the healthiest ones that boost your chances of pregnancy. One such promising development is microfluidics, designed to replicate the natural course a sperm takes in the female reproductive tract (5,6). These microfluidic devices act like a fertility obstacle course, guiding only the finest sperm to the finish line. This inventive method not only increases the odds of successful fertilization but also minimizes the risk of genetic abnormalities (5). The best part? These advances are not only new, but also readily available, potentially tipping the scales in your favor on your journey to conception. The incorporation of microfluidics in reproduction is truly a game-changer, transforming a once daunting challenge into a journey brimming with hope and possibility.
As you navigate the journey toward parenthood, it's essential to remember that technology and science are firmly on your side. Sperm washing is a remarkable tool that offers a beacon of hope, enhancing your chances of conception through accessible means. By removing harmful components, enhancing motility, concentrating sperm, and isolating the healthiest contenders, this process provides a significant boost to your fertility efforts without the overwhelming costs of more invasive treatments. Remember, every step taken is a step closer to realizing your dreams of starting or growing your family. With the tools and knowledge at your disposal, there is every reason to remain hopeful and trust in the process. You're not alone on this journey; the advancements in science, innovation and Visit Fertility are here to support you every step of the way.
References:
Owen, D.H. and Katz, D.F. (2005), A Review of the Physical and Chemical Properties of Human Semen and the Formulation of a Semen Simulant. Journal of Andrology, 26: 459-469. https://doi.org/10.2164/jandrol.04104
Mortimer, David. "Sperm recovery techniques to maximize fertilizing capacity." Reproduction, fertility and development 6.1 (1994): 25-31.
CENTOLA, G.M. (1997), Successful Treatment of Severe Oligozoospermia With Sperm Washing and Intrauterine Insemination. Journal of Andrology, 18: 448-453. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1939-4640.1997.tb01951.x
Kerin, J., and W. Byrd. "Supracervical placement of spermatozoa: utility of intrauterine and tubal insemination." Controversies in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. New York: Elsevier (1989): 183-204.
Pujol, A., et al. "A microfluidic sperm-sorting device reduces the proportion of sperm with double-stranded DNA fragmentation." Zygote 30.2 (2022): 200-205.
Kashaninejad, Navid, Muhammad Johirul Alam Shiddiky, and Nam‐Trung Nguyen. "Advances in microfluidics‐based assisted reproductive technology: From sperm sorter to reproductive system‐on‐a‐chip." Advanced Biosystems 2.3 (2018): 1700197.
Kantsler, V., Dunkel, J., Blayney, M. & Goldstein, R. E. Rheotaxis facilitates upstream navigation of mammalian sperm cells. Elife 3, e02403 (2014).
Huang, Teng-Kuan, et al. "Development of a thermotaxis and rheotaxis microfluidic device for motile spermatozoa sorting." Biosensors and Bioelectronics 258 (2024): 116353.
Montano, Luigi, et al. "Raman Microspectroscopy evidence of microplastics in human semen." Science of The Total Environment 901 (2023): 165922.