Objective: The research question was whether the result of human sperm zona-free hamsterovum penetration assay (SPA) could serve as an indicator for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Methods: The semen samples of 22 male partners in couples with infertile marriage were assessed for their fertilizing capacity by SPA. The fertilization rate of SPA was compared with that of IVF.
Results: The fertilization rates of SPA and IVF were 38.6% +/- 23.5% and 53.5% +/- 28.4% respectively, and a significant correlation between SPA and IVF was observed (rs = 0.7045).
Conclusion: The result of SPA may be used as a reference indicator for assisting fertilization, IVF or ICSI.