DETERMINATION OF SPERM MIGRATION RATE IN SMALL SAMPLES OF CERVICAL MUCUS

Abstract

ABSTRACT A capillary method for the assessment of the migration rate of normal sperm in small samples of human cervical mucus (CXM) has been evaluated. The following results have been obtained: Sperm migrated at a constant rate in the CXM. Measurement of sperm migration after 5 minutes correlated well with measurements made after longer intervals. The coefficient of variation varied between 3.3 and 26.8 %, higher values being obtained in samples with a low sperm penetration. Different sperm samples migrated in the same sample of CXM at a similar rate. Dilution of a sperm sample of good motility to 1 million/ml did not affect the readings. Tests performed at room temperature gave the same results as those performed at 37°C. Capillary size was not of crucial importance. Freezing of a sample to −23°C was possible for one week. Longer periods of storage interfered with sperm penetration. The migration rate of the most advanced sperm did not differ from that of less advanced sperm.