Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) parameters and their evolution during preparation as predictors of pregnancy in intrauterine insemination with frozen-thawed donor semen cycles

Objective: To study the potential of CASA parameters in frozen-thawed donor semen before and after preparation on silica gradient as predictors of pregnancy in IUI with donor semen cycles.

Study design: CASA parameters were measured in thawed donor semen before and after preparation on a silica gradient in 132 couples undergoing 168 IUI cycles with donor semen. The evolution of these parameters throughout this process was calculated. The relationship with cycle outcome was then studied.

Results: Clinical pregnancy rate was 18.4% per cycle. CASA parameters on donor semen before or after preparation were not significantly different between pregnancy and failure groups. However, amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) of spermatozoa improved in all cycles where pregnancy occurred, thus predicting pregnancy with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 20%.

Conclusions: Even if CASA parameters do not seem to predict pregnancy in IUI with donor semen cycles, their evolution during the preparation process should be evaluated, especially for ALH. However, the link between ALH improvement during preparation process and pregnancy remains to be explored.