Iraqi J. Biotech. 9(2):158-166 (2010)

Bassim K. AL-Recabi

THE EFFECT OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND SPERM ACTIVATION TECHNIQUES ON SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS AND PREGNANCY RATES Bassim K. AL-Recabi Biology Department, College of Science, Thi-Qar University, Thi-Qar, Iraq

ABSTRACT This study was designed to assess the effect of sperm activation techniques In vitro on semen characteristics and intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure in varicocelic infertile patients. In this study, fifty infertile male involved and according to preparation methods divided into 25 varicocelic and 25 nonvaricocelic infertile couples. From each male, semen samples were analyzed before and after in vitro sperm processing by standard semen parameters. However, the spermatozoa prepared by direct swim-up and centrifugation swim-up technique with addition of IVF culture medium. Furthermore, sperm concentration, sperm motility, progressive sperm motility and normal sperm morphology were evaluated according to WHO standard criteria. For IUI technique, sperm prepared and incubated for 30 minute in 5% CO2 at 37ºC. The results of the present study indicate a highly significant (P