IUI Sperm Preparation

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) places a large number of processed (washed and concentrated) sperm, motile sperm high inside the uterus during the most fertile time of the female’s menstrual cycle. This procedure is often used in couples with a cervical factor, unexplained infertility, male factor or immunologic infertility.

To maximize the chance of conception, the GRS laboratory staff will customize the preparation of the sperm, based on results from the semen analysis, for insertion in the uterus. Our research has shown that standard, “off-the-shelf” sperm preparation kits used in many laboratories can lead to poor sperm recovery and lower success rates.

Georgia Reproductive Specialists has unmatched embryology and diagnostic laboratory credentials. Lead by Dr. Michael Tucker, who is recognized as one of the world's top ten scientists in early human reproduction, our laboratory techniques and facilities are second-to-none in the Atlanta area.

Our diagnostic laboratory is fully accredited and contains the most advanced technology for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including thorough semen and hormone analysis, sperm and egg preparation, and the assisted reproductive technologies procedures. GRS scientists are responsible for developing many of the leading assisted reproductive technology methods used by fertility specialists around the world.

Andrology Services

The scientists in the Georgia Reproductive Specialists' laboratory are committed to examining every factor that may affect conception. Our diagnostic techniques to determine male factor problems are comprehensive and utilize cutting edge technology to fully evaluate the potential cause of inferility:

Semen Analysis

At GRS, a routine semen analysis includes the basic tests to determine the volume of semen, number of sperm present and concentration of sperm, as well as motility or movement of the sperm and progression (quality of movement). In addition, we conduct further testing, beyond these basic assessments, to obtain a more complete analysis.

The semen is specially stained and then examined under high-magnification to determine the shape and size of the sperm, known as morphology. If necessary, we can also analyze hormone levels and test for the presence of sperm antibodies, a rare condition that can interfere with the ability of sperm to move, penetrate the woman’s cervical secretions or mucus, or to fertilize an egg.

Endocrine Testing

Hormone levels in both partners are important in determining fertility. The GRS diagnostic laboratory can perform the following endocrine tests, and results can be provided immediately, or within six to eight hours, depending on the need:

• Estradiol
• Progesterone
• Insulin
• Prolactin
• luteinizing hormone (LH)
• follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
• human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)
• thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

Sperm Chromatin Structural Assay (SCSA)

Sperm DNA can be damaged during its journey from where it is produced, in the testicles, to meet the egg in a woman’s uterus. Some DNA is susceptible to damage and that DNA can become fragmented.

New studies suggest that sperm with certain levels of DNA fragmentation or damage may help identify couples with a lower chance for achieving pregnancy. A review of data on hundreds of semen samples show that patients with a DNA fragmentation level of greater than 30% are likely to have significantly-reduced fertility potential as well as a greater risk of miscarriage.

Georgia Reproductive Specialists was the first program in the area offering SCSA (sperm chromatin structural assay), a test to measure the level of DNA fragmentation in the sperm, to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.

Facilities

Our state-of-the-art fertility diagnostic laboratory is conveniently located in our Meridian Mark offices, near Northside Hospital. Our facility includes comfortable, private rooms for the collection of semen samples, to help ensure better testing results and sperm preparation.

The GRS diagnostic laboratory is open 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with extended hours available, when necessary.

For more information about our facilities, please email or call Michael Tucker, Ph.D., Scientific Director at 404-843-2229.