Back to glossary

Fertility Glossary

Sperm wash / preparation

Laboratory processing that concentrates the most motile sperm.

IVF & IUI

The semen sample is separated so that motile sperm are concentrated in a small volume of culture medium, removing seminal fluid, debris and non-motile cells. This is required before IUI and is also used in IVF and ICSI.

Also known as: sperm preparation, density gradient, swim-up

Related Canada guides

Sources

  • Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS)

Last reviewed: September 9, 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only โ€” always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

Explore in-depth guides

Learn more with Antega's fertility guides and articles.