Intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome using ejaculated sperm and retrieved sperm in azoospermic men

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Andrology
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Background:

• Azoospermia presents a significant challenge for male fertility.
• Sperm retrieval techniques offer options for men with obstructive or non-obstructive azoospermia.
• Evaluating the efficacy of retrieved sperm in assisted reproduction is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare pregnancy and miscarriage rates of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles.
• To assess outcomes using retrieved epididymal/testicular sperm versus ejaculated sperm.
• To evaluate ICSI efficacy in azoospermic, oligospermic, and normospermic men.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 517 couples undergoing ICSI.
• Group 1: 96 azoospermic men (69 PESA, 47 TESE).
• Group 2: 421 oligospermic/normospermic men (ejaculated sperm).
• Comparison of pregnancy and miscarriage rates between sperm sources.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in pregnancy rates: PESA (43.5%), TESE (36.2%), ejaculated sperm (41.4%).
• No significant differences in miscarriage rates: PESA (16.7%), TESE (23.5%), ejaculated sperm (12.1%).
• P-values for pregnancy (P = .93) and miscarriage (P = .37) indicate non-significant differences.

Conclusions:

• ICSI with percutaneous epididymal aspiration (PESA) and testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is effective for azoospermia.
• Outcomes of ICSI using retrieved sperm are comparable to those using ejaculated sperm.
• These sperm retrieval methods provide a viable treatment option for male infertility due to azoospermia.