Adverse effects of hydrosalpinx fluid on sperm motility and survival

The negative impact of hydrosalpinx on IVF outcome is well recognized but s ome reports indicate that tubal infertility with hydrosalpinx is a heteroge neous entity and may have different effects on the outcome. The embryotoxic effects of hydrosalpinx fluid (HF) have been documented In mouse but not h uman embryos. This study examined the effects of BF on sperm motility and s urvival after various periods of incubation. Fifteen infertile patients wit h hydrosalpinx shown on ultrasound monitoring during ovarian stimulation un derwent aspiration of HF after egg collection. Electrolytes, glucose and py ruvate concentrations were within the physiological ranges found in normal human tubal fluid. Sperm motility and velocities remained unchanged after 5 h of incubation with various concentrations of HF but the percentage of mo tile spermatozoa was significantly reduced after 24 h of incubation. Both 5 0 and 100% HF were potentially cytotoxic (survival indices <85%). The detri mental effect seemed to be dependent on the concentrations of HF. Low osmol arity, low lactate concentrations or the protein content may be responsible for the loss of sperm motility. A human sperm survival test using HF may b e useful in selecting appropriate treatment options for patients with hydro salpinx undergoing IVF treatment or tubal surgery.