Sperm Survival: Relationship to Age-Related Sperm DNA Integrity in Infertile Men

Abstract
The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of age and sperm DNA integrity on sperm survival. Semen samples from fifty six unselected patients undergoing infertility evaluation were assessed in terms of standard semen parameters, DNA integrity, and sperm survival after 6-24 h of incubation. Prolonged incubation of density gradient selected sperm adversely effects sperm survival in older patients and patients with extensive sperm DNA damage. Immediate preparation of such samples prior to use for assisted reproductive technology (ART) may overcome the negative effect of extended incubation.