A novel sperm preparation device that uses microfluidics to separate sperm with low DNA fragmentation and high membrane integrity

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether a shortened time interval from semen processing to IUI affects pregnancy and delivery rates, given that the time for the sperm to capacitate is decreased. Previous studies have focused on the time of semen collection to processing but few studies have evaluated the optimal time from semen processing to IUI procedure. DESIGN: Retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnancy and delivery rates from IUIs performed during theweek (approximately 2.5 hours after semen processing) were compared to IUIs performed on weekends and holidays (within 30 minutes of semen processing). IUI cycles performed July 2007-June 2012 at a university-based clinic were reviewed. The first cycle for each couple was included in the analysis. Donor sperm cycles were excluded. The primary outcome was quantitative hCG per cycle. Delivery per cycle was evaluated as a secondary outcome. The risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using a generalized estimating equation method to estimate modified Poisson regression models. RESULTS: A total of 1947 IUI cycles were performed on 650 women (mean female age 31.8 4.9). Limiting analysis to the first IUI cycle, resulted in 449 cycles during the week and 201 cycles on the weekend/holiday. There was no significant difference in pregnancy rates when comparing IUI cycles performed on a weekday or weekend (15.6% versus 13.9% respectively; RR 0.89, 95%CI 0.60-1.34). Likewise, there was no association between delivery and the timing of IUI (RR 0.80, 95%CI 0.48-1.37). These results were consistent when examined by year and by age group. The results were unchanged in multivariate analysis controlling for years of infertility, fertility medications, BMI, total motile sperm count for IUI, infertility diagnosis and female age (adjusted RR for pregnancy 0.94, 95% CI 0.62-1.42). CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, patients and physicians can be reassured that shortening the time interval from semen processing to IUI procedure on weekends and holidays has no adverse effects on pregnancy or delivery rates. Supported by: This research was Supported in part by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, grant 1 U54 GM104938-01A1.