The straw swim-up: a simple method to evaluate the effects of additives, media, or toxicants on sperm motility.

ABSTRACT

We describe a new method for evaluating potential toxicants, spermicides, and motility enhancers. Cryopreservation straws filled with media plus additive are emersed below the surface of an unprocessed donor ejaculate. After incubation, the sperm found within the first 4 cm of the straw are expelled and analyzed. The effects of media containing glycerol and albumin were examined. Survivability and sperm migration into the media occur independently and can be differentiated in this assay. This method allows for the use of unprocessed semen and includes an evaluation of the semen and media interaction.