IVI disproves the effectiveness of sexual abstinence in assisted reproduction

There is much debate about the effectiveness of ejaculatory abstinence in sperm quality and its fertilizing ability, or its influence on embryo quality. Recent studies concluded that short periods of abstinence were beneficial to prevent loss of motility and increased DNA fragmentation in sperm.

In this context, at the 40th edition of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) Congress, IVI presented a study demonstrating that ejaculatory abstinence, whether short or long, is not a relevant factor in reproductive outcomes. This article delves into the results of this study.

Abstinence is not a key factor for success in assisted reproduction

Is ejaculatory abstinence related to fertilization and blastocyst development in ICSI cycles using time-lapse incubators? This recent research presented by IVI at the latest ESHRE edition shows that abstinence is not a significant factor for improving reproductive success. It does not influence fertilization, blastocyst development, or morphology. These findings contradict some studies in the scientific literature, based on a larger number of cases and more precise statistical analyses.

“The study analyzes the relationship between embryo quality and the days of abstinence without ejaculation in men. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for semen analysis and sample collection indicate that sexual abstinence should be maintained for between 2 and 7 days. However, in the case of assisted reproduction treatments such as IVF or ICSI, which require few sperm, several studies suggested that shorter abstinence periods resulted in better semen quality, as the sperm are younger and maintain their vigor and DNA integrity”, explains Dr. Nicolás Garrido, Director of the IVI Foundation.

The study, titled ‘Ejaculatory abstinence: is there any association with embryo developmental competence? A Retrospective Study in time-lapse incubators,’ was recently presented at ESHRE, one of the most important assisted reproduction congresses in the world. It sheds light on this issue, which previous research had not clarified.

Putting an end to the controversy

Semen analysis was conducted based on WHO criteria for sperm count, motility, and morphology. Additionally, all fertilized oocytes were cultured to the blastocyst stage in Embryoscope or GERI incubators, with continuous medium and refreshment on the fifth day of development (if necessary). However, the days of ejaculatory abstinence (1-8 days) showed no relationship with fertilization, blastocyst development per mature oocyte, or abnormal fertilization.

“This is an interesting study that puts an end to the existing controversy about the usefulness of ejaculatory abstinence. It is well-executed from both an epidemiological and methodological standpoint, utilizing time-lapse incubators to improve the accuracy of fertilization checks and benefit from an undisturbed embryo culture environment”, concludes Dr. Garrido.

The importance of abstinence for sperm donation

This discovery about the importance of abstinence also applies to the success of treatments using donor sperm. Historically, both patients and donors have questioned the necessary abstinence to optimize sperm quality.

Thanks to this research, the taboos surrounding this issue are dispelled, providing a reassuring message. This will undoubtedly be of great interest for the protocol donors must follow when donating samples. It also represents a significant advancement for patients, as they will benefit from improved sperm quality.

We remind you that 30% of infertility cases in couples are of male origin, which is why many treatments are performed with donor sperm. Similarly, female couples or single women wishing to have a child rely on donated male gametes.