Reduced Sperm Motility in Plastic Containers

Semen analysis is a key element in the evaluation of the infertile couple. Because the type of container used for collection of the specimen may be important, we compared the effects of glass versus plastic containers on sperm motility. Ten semen specimens collected in clean glass jars were subdivided into four aliquots, two into glass containers and two into sterile plastic urine cups, and sperm motility was evaluated. During the first 60 minutes of observation, no significant differences in motility were noted between sperm held in glass and sperm held in plastic containers. After 60 minutes, however, sperm motility was significantly less in semen held in plastic containers. Plastic containers may adversely affect sperm motility; glass containers are therefore recommended for routine collection of samples for semen analysis. If plastic containers must be used, they should be evaluated thoroughly for their potential effects on semen quality.