Application of Seminal Plasma

The nidation (implantation) of the embryo into the uterine lining (endometrium) of the mother is a complex process. To prevent maternal rejection of the embryo, the mother’s body must first build up an immune tolerance to the embryo, of which half of the genes consists of "different” genetic material—namely, that of the father.

Seminal plasma – ejaculate without sperm – can support this process. Seminal plasma is composed primarily of fluid secretions produced by the seminal vesical and the prostate. The second messengers TGF and interleukin, both contained in the seminal plasma, have several important roles in embryo implantation. First and foremost, they have a major influence on inflammatory reactions, as well as other immunological responses. Secondly, they prepare the endometrium for the coming embryo, and finally, they promote the growth of endometrial blood vessels.

Through centrifugation, the ejaculate is separated into seminal plasma and sperm. Approximately 0.1ml of seminal plasma is drawn into a thin catheter and, after the follicle puncture (the retrieval of the egg cells), the catheter is introduced into the female’s cervix. This process is entirely painless. The sperm is used to fertilize the eggs obtained during the follicle puncture.

This method has been used routinely for some time at the Wunschbaby Institute, and internal evaluations have shown that it increases the probability of inducing pregnancy.