Semen Preparation

• What is "swim-up"?
  
   

  Our semen can be inseminated directly into the vagina or cervix after thawing. In case of Intra Uterin Insemination (IUI) the semen can be prepared by "swim up" in order to remove prostaglandin and bacteria from the semen. If unwashed semen is inseminated directly into the uterus it can result in severe cramps, contractions and allergic reactions. See information about media for swim-up.
  

• What is gradient centrifugation?
  
   

  Our semen is only for vaginal or cervical insemination. In case of Intra Uterin Insemination (IUI) the semen must be prepared by density gradient centrifugation in order to remove prostaglandins and bacteria from the semen. If unwashed semen is inseminated directly in the uterus it can result in severe cramps and contraction and allergic reactions. Read more about gradient media.
  

• Minimum concentration before IUI?
  
   

  If the semen is preparated for IUI there should be at least 2 x 10⁶ motile spermatozoa per ml of grade a (WHO) or +3 motility. If the semen is prepared for IVF there should be at least 0.1 x 10⁶ motile spermatozoa per ml of grade a (WHO)or +3 motility. For IUI there should be a volume of 0.3-0.5 ml inseminated. Higher concentration of motile spermatozoa will not increase the pregnancy chance significantly, but a lower concentration will result in a dramatically decrease