Does patient semen quality alter during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program in a manner that is clinically significant when specific counseling is in operation?

PURPOSE

It has been shown that the stress of infertility may impair semen quality. Whether counseling can attenuate this affect is unproven. This study examines, in an IVF program setting, where specific counseling is in operation, whether semen collected on the day of oocyte recovery is significantly different from that obtained during the prior clinical suitability assessment of the couple.

RESULTS

In the 125 consecutive couples examined, there were no significant overall differences in semen volume or sperm density. There was a significant increase in sperm motility on the day of oocyte retrieval (P < 0.001). Twenty-three patients (18.4%) showed an increase in quality, and 21 (16.8%) a decrease, on the day of oocyte recovery. The environment of production appeared to exert no influence. Fertilization failure occurred in seven couples, three (14%) of whom presented for the first time with decreased semen parameters on the day of IVF. This compares with 1 of 23 (4%) fertilization failure in those whose parameters increased.

CONCLUSION

The semen quality of the vast majority of the patients studied in this highly counseled program does not appear to be significantly affected by the superstress of participation in the day of oocyte recovery.