Sperm training

Sperm training is a process through which the spermatozoid acquires the necessary qualities to be introduced in the oocyte and fertilize it. It is accordingly one of the basic steps in sperm preparation for any reproduction treatment, either artificial insemination, conventional IVF, or ICSI.

With this process, we are able to separate from the total sperm sample volume, the spermatozoa progressively motile that are of particular interest to us and that will be used in the treatment. After this training process, we analyze a fraction of the sample to calculate the Spermatozoa Progressively Motile Count (SMC) available in the sample.

In prior studies to the couple, the SMC study is usually required in the semen sample of the male to determine the best technique for the couple. If there are no other known causes of sterility, with a SMC value superior to 5 million/ml, the couple would be referred to an artificial insemination treatment. On the other hand, with a SMC value under 5 million/ml, the insemination success rate is low. Therefore, they are referred to an IVF or ICSI treatment.