A new sperm collection method for in-vitro fertilization: collection at tail of epididymis

We have developed a method for the collection of spermatozoa from the tail of the epididymis in patients with severe asthenozoospermia. The treatment was applied to 25 cycles, of which 16 cycles provided spermatozoa in good condition with concentration and motility greater than 50 x 10(4)/ml and greater than 50% respectively. Spermatozoa thus obtained were subjected to IVF in 11 cycles and to ZIFT in five cycles; five IVF cases reached cleavage and two of those cases resulted in pregnancy. Two of the five ZIFT cases also achieved a pregnancy. Despite limits on frequency, the sperm collection process is thought to be very useful for the treatment of severe asthenozoospermia.