The process of fertilization involves a series of complex interactions between the ejaculated sperm and the female genital tract. Starting from the exposure of the sperm to the hostile vaginal environment to the obstacle course that the sperms have to endure before they finally reach the oocyte to perform a series of orchestrated chemical reactions to fertilize the oocyte, this is what sperm function tests aim to quantify.
Routine semen analysis parameters used in daily practice have limited value in discriminating the fertile male from the sub fertile male. While the sperm function tests are regarded as research tools, and not a part of the routine semen testing.
Classification of Sperm Function Tests:
- Fructose Estimation
- Morphology and Terstozoospermia Index (TZI)
- Leukocyte Detection Test
- Luminol Lucigenin
- Luminol Horseradish Peroxidase
- Sperm Vitality Test
- Hypoosmotic swelling (HOS)
- Eosin Staining
- Eosin-Nigrosin Staining
- Sperm-mucus interaction test
- In vivo postcoital test
- In vitro sperm-mucus interaction
- In vitro capillary test (Kremer test)
- Antisperm antibody tests
- Mitochondrial activity index test
- Test for Capacitation:
- Incubation in albumin-containing culture
- Using CASA
- Chlortetracycline staining
- Tests for acrosome reaction
- Hyaluronan binding assay:
- Hemizona assay
- Competitive intact zona sperm binding test
- Sperm penetration assay
- Nuclear chromatin decondensation test
- Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index:
- Comet Assay
- Tunnel
- In situ nick translation
- Acridine orange test
- SCSA
Spermatozoa require oxygen for metabolism which in turn, damage cellular lipids, proteins and DNA due to relatively large quantities of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the sperm membrane and low concentration of scavenging enzymes in the cytoplasm. ROS in spermatozoa originate as a result of the monovalent reduction of molecular oxygen during phosphorylation in the mitochondria. Reactive oxygen species concentration in semen is commonly measured by using probes such as luminol and lucigenin.
Sperm vitality testing is important when 40% of the spermatozoa are progressively motile to know if the immotile spermatozoa are dead or alive. It should be performed as soon as liquefaction is complete and preferably within 1 hour of ejaculation to prevent bias due to dehydration or temperature variability. The majority of the sperm population is motile following the ejaculation because the spermatozoa zoa are activated during their passage through the epididymis. While the cervical mucus is viscous throughout the menstrual cycle, it is penetrable only during the preovulatory days, where it forms the first barrier for sperm migration. A detailed sperm-mucus interaction test is performed with crossover testing using donor semen and donor cervical mucus.
The diagnostic evaluation of the male partner, particularly in the event of unexplained infertility, has found the value of the sperm function testing. Today we have a strong foundation on which future research can be based to develop valid and more predictive tests based on multicentric trials with strong predictive value for pregnancy out come and have little overlap between the fertile and infertile samples.
Physiological Process | Test |
Energy supply for the firm in the ejaculate | Fructose |
Optimal sperm shape for the swift movement of the sperm through the female genital tract | Morphology and Teratozoospermia index |
Minimal quantities of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are required for normal sperm function | Tests for ROS |
A functional cell membrane of a live sperm plays an important role in fertilization | Sperm Vitality Tests |
Cervical mucus acts as a reservoir of sperm | Sperm-mucus interaction tests |
Antisperm antibodies hinder the motility and travel of the sperm in the reproductive tract | Antisperm antibody tests |
Energy (ATP) produced by the mitochondria is necessary for the motility of the sperm | Mitochondrial activity index test |
Capacitation prepares the sperm for fertilization | Test for capacitation |
Initiates the process of cumulus cell dispersion | Hyaluronan binding assay |
Acrosome reaction initiates fertilization with fusion of the plasma membranes | Tests for acrosome reaction |
Binding of the sperm to the zona | Zona binding assay |
Entry of sperm nucleas in the oocyte | Sperm penetration assay |
Prior to the formation of the male pronucleas | Nuclear chromatin DE condensation |
Intact sperm DNA for successful fertilization and development of a healthy embryo | Sperm DNA fragmentation Index |
This is just an intro the vast ocean of ‘Sperm Function Test.’ The Fellowship in Embryology in India provides detailed knowledge and training in fertilization science, developmental physiology of the embryo, and ART. In embryology, this fellowship endows students with knowledge and skills, such as semen function analysis, semen -DNA fragmentation evaluation and advanced tests such as Zona binding analyzes, which are important for diagnosing male infertility. It also provides training on hands in fetal culture, cryoprose and micronipulation, enabling them to help with breeding processes such as in vitro fruit (IVF) and intracect semen semen (ICSI). As embryologists occupy an important niche within ART clinics, the fellowship trains candidates for work with fertility clinics toward better success rates in couples with infertility. Because of enhanced needs for trained personnel in the field, the program presents an excellent career option for reproductive medicine and research.
The Fellowship in Embryology at Medline Academics is a distinct training program designed for those looking to build a career in reproductive medicine in India. Medline Academics follows a hybrid learning model, combining online and hands-on training to give students the best of both worlds. The program incorporates theory sessions on the Internet, during which participants learn concepts and fundamentals of embryology, assisted reproductive technologies, and laboratory techniques at their own pace. Practical in-person training follows at certified labs, where students get hands-on experience in real-life embryology procedures such as IVF, ICSI, cryopreservation, and embryo culture. Medline Academics adopts a hybrid learning model so that students are offered the best of both worlds. It provides a great mix of online and hands-on learning experiences. In addition to this, Medline Academics also offers Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine.
As part of the Medline Academics hybrid fellowship program, the hands-on training is conducted at Dr. Kamini Rao Hospitals, the Best IVF Centre in Bangalore for reproductive medicine. With the expertise of seasoned embryologists and fertility specialists, students are given first-hand exposure to advanced ART procedures like IVF, ICSI, sperm function testing, and embryo cryopreservation. Training at Dr. Kamini Rao Hospitals enables the fellows to gain not just technical skills but also learn best practices as followed by some of the top fertility clinics. Such hands-on experience adds to their confidence and equips them for a successful career in embryology and reproductive medicine.
