Sperm washing is the process in which individual sperms are separated from the seminal fluid. The sperms are then used in intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Sperm washing is a standard procedure used in infertility treatment.
Sperm may be "washed" by density gradient centrifugation or by a "direct swim-up" technique that doesn't involve centrifugation. In normal semen samples, centrifugation causes no more DNA damage to spermatozoa than a direct swim-up technique.
Read more about Sperm Washing: Decreased HIV Transmission, History
Famous quotes containing the word washing:
“Why do otherwise sane, competent, strong men, men who can wrestle bears or raid corporations, shrink away in horror at the thought of washing a dish or changing a diaper?”
—Frank Pittman (20th century)