Successful use of the sperm motility enhancer 2-deoxyadenosine in previously failed human in vitro fertilization

The outcome of in vitro fertilization treatment in male-factor infertility is generally poor, due mainly to poor fertilization rate and hence fewer available embryos for replacement. This study was carried out to assess the value of asthenospermic sperm exposure to a motility enhancing agent, 2-deoxyadenosine (2-DXA), on our in vitro fertilization program in couples undergoing repeat treatment after previous failed fertilization. Following sperm wash and incubation in 2-DXA-supplemented medium, marked significant improvements were observed in the sperm motility pattern and the number of recoverable sperms as compared to control unexposed samples. There was also a significantly better fertilization rate and higher number of replaceable embryos available following sperm wash in 2-DXA as compared to those washed without it. Following embryo transfer, pregnancy rate was comparable to the generally reported pregnancy rates for routine in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer treatment. Three normal babies were born. Our results indicate that 2-DXA enhances fertilization rate in some asthenospermic patients and that it has no adverse effect on embryonic development.