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Effect of semen quality on the embryo development.
Ying Gao1, Hanqin Cheng, Yuhong Gen
1Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
Summary
Male infertility impacts early embryo development, even with assisted reproductive technologies like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Poor sperm quality, not just tubal factors, affects zygote and embryo quality, potentially limiting IVF success rates.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Embryology
- Infertility Research
Background:
- The paternal factor's role in human embryogenesis is increasingly recognized, particularly with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for male infertility.
- Understanding sperm's influence on early development is crucial for improving in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sperm quality on zygote and embryo development in couples with male factor infertility compared to tubal factor infertility.
- To analyze sperm parameters, zygote and embryo quality, implantation, and pregnancy rates in relation to male infertility.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study included 136 couples with male infertility (Group I) and 172 couples with tubal factors (Group II) from May 2002 to January 2001.
- Sperm parameters, oocyte retrieval, fertilization rates, embryo quality, implantation, and pregnancy rates were analyzed between the groups.
Main Results:
- Sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphology were significantly lower in the male infertility group (P < 0.01).
- The proportion of good quality zygotes and embryos was significantly lower in the male infertility group compared to the tubal factor group (P < 0.05).
- No significant differences were observed in oocyte retrieval, fertilization rates, or embryo transfer numbers between groups. Implantation and pregnancy rates were similar.
Conclusions:
- Sperm quality significantly influences early embryo development, affecting zygote and embryo quality even in IVF procedures.
- The findings suggest that poor sperm quality can limit the effectiveness of IVF treatments, highlighting the importance of paternal factors in embryogenesis.