The effect of in-vitro use of FSH on sperm parameters, DNA integrity, and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Asthenozoospermic men

Purpose: Sperm motility is a key indicator of male fertility. Decreased motility, or "asthenozoospermia," highlights the need for understanding male fertility challenges. This experimental in vitro study was designed to evaluate the effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on various sperm parameters, sperm DNA integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Methods: Semen samples were obtained from 20 asthenozoospermic men. The samples were divided into control, and case groups which were incubated with FSH at a concentration of 30 mIU/mL for one hour. Sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation, and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed in two groups based on the WHO 2021 criteria. Results: In the experimental group, progressive motility and especially rapid progressive motility were higher compared to the control group. However, the FSH hormone did not show a significant effect on morphology, viability, DNA fragmentation, or mitochondrial membrane potential in either group. Conclusion: FSH effectively enhances sperm motility without compromising sperm DNA integrity or mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Therefore, FSH can be recommended as a safe and effective option for sperm selection in patients with asthenozoospermia.