[Correlation between initial sperm quality and its ability to tolerate cryopreservation].

The aim of this study based on the investigation of 570 semen specimens providing from 251 patients is to determine the correlation existing between initial sperm quality and its ability to bear cryo-preservation. Semen quality was estimated according to the usual parameters : numeration, motility and morphology of spermatozoa. Motility recovery on the one hand, and fertilizing capacity after cryo-preservation on the other hand, allowed an estimation of the sperm ability to bear thawing. Motility recovery seems to depend widely on the initial sperm quality. The persistence of sperm fertilizing capacity partly depends on the motility recovery and consequently partly on the initial quality. However, some semen specimens seem to lose their fertilizing capacity in spite of a good motility after deep-freezing.