Sperm washing
Sperm washing is a medical procedure used to prepare sperm for use in assisted reproductive technology (ART) techniques such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Pronunciation
- /ˈspɜːrm ˈwɒʃɪŋ/
Etymology
The term "sperm washing" is derived from the process itself, which involves washing the sperm to remove impurities.
Procedure
Sperm washing involves separating sperm cells from seminal fluid and other non-sperm elements in a man's semen. The procedure is typically performed in a laboratory setting. The washed sperm is then used in ART procedures.
Purpose
The primary purpose of sperm washing is to increase the chances of fertilization during ART procedures. It is also used to decrease the risk of HIV transmission in cases where the male partner is HIV-positive.
Methods
There are several methods of sperm washing, including:
- Density gradient centrifugation: This method involves layering the semen on top of a solution of high molecular weight substances. The sperm cells, being denser, sink to the bottom and can be collected.
- Swim-up technique: In this method, the semen is placed in a solution and the sperm cells that 'swim up' into the solution are collected.
- Direct swim-up technique: This is a variation of the swim-up technique where the semen is directly added to the culture medium.
Related Terms
- Assisted reproductive technology
- Intrauterine insemination
- In vitro fertilization
- Density gradient centrifugation
- Swim-up technique
- Direct swim-up technique
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sperm washing
- Wikipedia's article - Sperm washing
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