P-019 Short ejaculatory abstinence time is associated with higher pregnancy and live birth rates and improved DNA fragmentation index (DFI): A Systematic Review

Abstract Study question Does short ejaculatory abstinence time (EA) improve DNA fragmentation and reproductive outcomes compared with long EA following assisted technology (ART)? Summary answer Shorter is associated improved pregnancy live birth rates ART lower DFI longer at different cut-off points. What known already When spermatozoa pass the epididymal tract, they are exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS cause fragmentation. Testicular sperm has a when ejaculated sperm, which indicates that increased during transition storage in duct. There studies suggest high poor ART. WHO recommends 2-7 days of prior semen collection; however, several recent have reported correlation between shorter DFI. design, size, duration A systematic review was conducted according PRISMA guidelines registered PROSPERO (CRD42022379039). The electronic databases PubMed, Embase Cochrane were searched for eligible by research librarian April 2022. Additional articles manually retrieved after reviewing reference lists from relevant publications. Participants/materials, setting, methods Two authors independently screened based on eligibility criteria; including men referred fertility treatment undergoing reporting data rate, rate demographics, population characteristics study statistical analyses extracted. Risk bias each evaluated Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). Any disagreements resolved third author. Main results role chance Out 1237 initially identified, 24 them met criteria included total 14.173 cases. this Asia, North South America Europe. referral includes both male, female, mixed unexplained infertility. varied less than one hour as 15-20 days. Nine 13 investigated influence varying found significantly higher EA, five day or less. Three comparing EA. Eleven 15 lowest studies. In general, likely be Limitations, reasons caution Many used intervals, leading heterogenous data, therefore, only allowed limited conclusion formulated regarding ideal timeframe Four scored poorly SIGN methodology checklist due confounding suggesting their findings treated caution. Wider implications Even though it difficult make clear recommendation because periods, decreasing limits recommended decrease semen, followed Trial registration number not applicable