Effects of Percoll discontinuous density gradients vs SpermPrep II vs Sephadex G-50 gel filtration on semen parameters.

There are various methods of separating sperm from seminal plasma for subsequent intrauterine insemination (IUI) and for in vitro fertilization (IVF). The purpose of the present study was to assess and compare semen parameters following Sephadex, Percoll and SpermPrep II separation techniques. The SpermPrep II is also a Sephadex preparation but uses a different bead size, less Sephadex and is a quicker method. The specimens (n = 16) were initially evaluated for count, (C; x 10(6)/ml)% motility (MO), grade of motility (GR; %), and HOS test scores. Each specimen was then divided into 3 equal aliquots and prepared as follows: 1) layered onto a modified Percoll discontinuous density gradient column; 2) processed using SpermPrep II; and 3) filtered through a Sephadex gel filtration column (G-50). The results show all 3 treatments yielded lower (p < 0.01) counts as compared to control values but no differences were noted among them. Percoll and SpermPrep II increased MO (p < 0.01) where Sephadex reduced it (p = NS). Percoll and SpermPrep II improved the % of best quality sperm but not Sephadex with SpermPrep II being higher than Percoll. There were increases (p < 0.05) in HOS values in all experimental treatments with SpermPrep II being the best. However, this study did not show as many males with HOS scores below 50% as noted in other studies. Finally, Percoll and SpermPrep II seem equally effective methods for producing high quality sperm for IUI or IVF although SpermPrep II is quite faster.