rewashing IUI samples? (reposting from sperm donor forum)

galdiorgaldior Posts: 8
in Ask California Cryobank
Our fertility clinic's practice is to wash sperm before IUIs, even if it is an IUI sample that has been previously washed. There seem to be a lot more donors with IUI samples than ICI samples, and our top choices right now are looking like they don't have ICI samples.

Any experience with motility and sperm count before and after rewashing IUI sperm? How significant is the effect of rewashing IUI sperm? Thanks!

Comments

  • cryo-admincryo-admin Posts: 4,538
    Hi galdior -

    Washing an IUI vial could potentially lower the total motile sperm count below recommended standards. We highly recommend against re-washing an IUI specimen. If your physician would like to speak with our Medical Director/CEO (Dr. Charles Sims) regarding our wash procedures, he is happy to do so.

    If you have preferred donors without ICI available, they may have vials in quarantine still to be released. I would suggest contacting Client Services at 866-927-9622 to check on upcoming availability.

    Regards,

    Scott
    CCB
  • cryo-admincryo-admin Posts: 4,538
    From Dr. Charles Sims, our Medical Director...

    Cryogenically frozen sperm generally are much more susceptible to damage when undergoing a sperm washing procedure than fresh, unfrozen sperm. This was the reason why we introduced density gradient, pre-washed semen specimens a number of years ago. The pre-washed sperm can be thawed and used for an IUI insemination without having to be put through a process that is associated with a significant loss of motile sperm.

    ICI and IUI sperm specimens behave equally in a post freezing wash procedure with higher levels of loss due to the centrifugation process. The purpose of the washing is to remove the seminal plasma which cause uterine cramps. The residual amount of glycerol is very small and in my opinion should not be cause for concern for either the sperm or the recipient.
  • galdiorgaldior Posts: 8
    Thanks so much for the replies.

    "ICI and IUI sperm specimens behave equally in a post freezing wash procedure with higher levels of loss due to the centrifugation process."--If our clinic insists on rewashing all sperm specimens before IUIs, does it matter whether we get ICI or IUI sperm?

    Is there an estimate of the reduction in the total number of motile sperm that would result from washing post freezing for ICI and IUI specimens? Are we talking about more like a 10% reduction or a 75% reduction?

    Thanks!
  • cryo-admincryo-admin Posts: 4,538
    Hi G-

    If your clinic insists on washing, you should order ICI.

    It is difficult to estimate the potential loss with are-wash, but it certainly could lower the total motile count of an IUI vial below our guarantee and recommended standards.

    Good luck,

    Scott
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