Male infertility: the focus shifts to sperm manipulation

Few systemic approaches for treatment of the infertile male are available. Therefore, the focus has shifted to studies of sperm maturation in the female tract, tests of sperm function, and assisted reproduction. New methods of sperm evaluation allow a better determination of those samples that will and will not fertilize ova. These methods include the strict morphology examination, biochemical approaches such as evaluation of creatine kinase levels, and the hemizona assay. Computer assisted semen analysis has not yet proved important for diagnosis but has provided important research information. For example, the drug pentoxifylline significantly increases velocity and has also been shown to enhance in vitro fertilization. The term subfertile is extensively used in the literature but its clear definition and the prognosis for subfertile men have not been established. Approaches that may increase fertilization rates include reducing the gamete culture volume and removal of cumulus oophorus. Assisted reproductive technologies for patients with ejaculatory dysfunction have also been expanded. The use of improved semen processing techniques, advanced oocyte retrieval, and well-timed intrauterine insemination are enabling physicians to use decreasing numbers of viable sperm to achieve pregnancies.