THE IMPACT OF WOMANS AGE AND SPERM PARAMETERS ON FERTILIZATION RATES IN IVF CYCLES

Objective: To examine the predictive value of different sperm paramete rs and the age of a couple on fertilization rate. Material and methods : One-hundred six consecutive sperm samples were analysed before insem ination of oocytes in IVF cycles. Sperm count and motility were examin ed with the Makler Counter Chamber. Morphology was evaluated by the eo sin nigrosin and giemsa stains. Membrane integrity was evaluated by th e hypoosmotic swelling test GHOST). Results: Using a step-wise logisti c regression test the following parameters were all significantly corr elated with the fertilization rates: sperm concentration after a 3-h l ayering (chi(2) = 15.85, P < 0.001), sperm motility index (chi(2) = 6. 12, P < 0.0134), woman's age (chi(2) = 6.25, P < 0.012), and the hypoo smotic test (chi(2) = 6.63, P < 0.01). A fertilization capacity formul a was established by using these four parameters to predict the fertil ization capacity of a couple. Significantly lower fertilization rates were detected in elderly women with the partner sperm concentration of 7 x 10(6)/ml after 3-h layering, < 30% swollen spermatozoa in the HOS T and motility index score of < 50. Conclusions: By the aforementioned formula, sperm fertilization capacity can be predicted by using simpl e sperm parameters and women's age. Elderly women with partners who ha ve suboptimal sperm parameters reflected by low fertilization capacity scores may benefit from micromanipulation procedures.