Does seminal plasma exposure at the time of start of the luteal phase support prior to embryo transfer has effect on the embryo implantation?: a cohort study in frozen embryo transfer cycles over period of 9 months

Introduction: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has revolutionized the infertility management. Seminal plasma is a biologically active, protein rich, viscous fluid secreted by male accessory sex glands and it act as a medium of sperms transportation. It buffers acidic vaginal environment; contains antioxidants like superoxide dismutase and catalase, biologically active cytokines like TGF (tissue growth factor) beta, growth factors and PGE2. It impairs complement mediated antibody induced cell destruction, increase IL 10 expression and decrease expression of IL 2, making immunological environment favorable for acceptance of embryonic allograft.
Material and methods: A cohort study was performed over 328 subjects undergoing FET over a period of 9 months at a tertiary care centre with the aim to determine the effect of seminal plasma treatment on embryo implantation in frozen embryo transfer cycle.
Results: Serum Beta hCG levels was determined on day 15 post embryo transfer. There were 56 positive Beta hCG cases (Beta hCG >50mIU) on day 15 post embryo transfer in the (seminal plasma treatment group) first group and 78 positive Beta hCG cases in the second group (without seminal plasma treatment). The positive pregnancy rate was 56% in the study group whereas it was 39% in the control group however the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Results of our study support that exposure of female reproductive tract to seminal plasma improve implantation rates though the difference is not statistically significant.