effects of pentoxifylline timing and storage temperature on human sperm motility, morphology, and viability

Objective: short-term liquid storage of human sperm is frequently required in assisted reproductive technologies, yet storage-related declines in sperm quality remain a challenge. pentoxifylline (ptx) has been used to enhance sperm motility, but the optimal timing of ptx administration in relation to storage temperature is unclear.materials and methods: in this experimental laboratory study, semen samples from 30 normozoospermic men were divided into six paired aliquots and stored for 24 hours at room temperature or 4 °c. ptx (3 mmol/l) was administered either before storage, after storage, or not at all. sperm motility, viability, and morphology were assessed using standard light microscopy.results: significant differences were observed across groups for sperm motility parameters and abnormal morphology (p < 0.05), whereas sperm viability remained comparable. delayed ptx administration after storage at room temperature was associated with the poorest motility and morphological outcomes. a composite rank-based analysis identified pre-ptx storage at room temperature as the most favorable overall strategy, with pre-ptx storage at 4 °c ranking second; however, direct comparison between these two approaches revealed no statistically significant differences.conclusion: sperm quality during 24-hour liquid storage is influenced by both storage temperature and, more critically, the timing of ptx administration. pre-storage ptx may serve as a protective adjunct in short-term sperm storage, while delayed administration confers limited benefit. further studies are warranted to refine its clinical application.