Collecting a semen sample at home for an ART procedure positively affects the blastocyst and embryo utilization rate

Abstract Research Question Does the site of semen collection have any influence on the IVF/ICSI cycle outcome? Design A retrospective study was carried out at the Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana. All stimulated and spontaneous IVF/ICSI cycles (with at least one oocyte retrieved) performed in 2019 with fresh ejaculated semen samples were included. The outcome of the ICSI/IVF cycles in terms of oocytes, embryos and pregnancy rates according to the approach of semen sample collection (at home or at clinic) was evaluated. Results Compared to samples collected at the clinic, semen samples collected at home had significantly higher mean spermatozoa concentrations (60.7 ± 33.0 million/ml vs. 51.9 ± 36.9 million/ml; P=0.001), higher total sperm counts (156.3±113.6 million vs. 138.6±131.4 million; P=0.004) and better motility (59.5% ± 19.6% vs. 55.1% ± 21.9%; P=0.005). The number of retrieved oocytes per cycle was similar (collected at home vs. at clinic; 8.6±7.1 vs. 9.1±6.4; P=0.341). The mean number of embryos was similar between the groups (4.4±4.3 vs. 4.5±3.8; P=0.740), but the blastocyst rate was significantly higher in group where semen was collected at home (52.2% vs. 46.4%; P=0.001). The same was true for the cryopreserved embryo rate (34.7% vs. 30.0%; P=0.003) and embryo utilization rate (56.7% vs. 52.4%; P=0.011). There was no difference in pregnancy rate (collected at home vs. at clinic; 33.8% vs. 34.4%; P=0.888). Conclusions Collecting semen at home has a positive effect on sperm quality, blastocyst rate and embryo utilization rate, although it does not affect the pregnancy rate.