Male factor as determinant of in-vitro fertilization outcome

The effect of different semen parameters was evaluated in 200 consecutive couples in an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) programme. All semen analyses were performed on the native aliquot of semen which was subsequently prepared and used for in-vitro insemination. Morphology evaluation using strict criteria (kappa 0.46 and r = 0.565) was compared with progressive motile sperm density (kappa 0.37 and r = 0.333) and the conventional World Health Organisation (WHO) evaluation of morphology (kappa 0.31 and r = 0.378). Results show that morphology evaluation using strict criteria is the best predictor of IVF and density of progressively motile spermatozoa can be an optional method. The combined results of strict morphology and motile concentration progressively showed that if both parameters were below the cut-off points of 5% and 3 x 10(6)/ml respectively, the fertilization rate per oocyte was very low (18%). No pregnancies were achieved in this group. When both parameters were above the cut-off points, the fertilization rate per oocyte was high (72%) (P less than 0.005) and the pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was 27%. Predictive values indicate that morphology evaluation using strict criteria and the number of progressive motile spermatozoa can be used as patient selection criteria for infertility clinics.