Testicular Sperm Extraction and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: Outcomes in a specialist fertility centre

Assisted reproduction with testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are fertility treatment options for couples with severe oligospermia or azoospermia. A retrospective review was performed of 146 TESE procedures in a specialist fertility centre in Ireland. The indication for TESE was obstructive azoospermia (OA) in 59% (n = 80) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) in 41% (n = 56). Sperm retrieval rates after TESE were determined and the pregnancy rates per ICSI cycle number were evaluated. Sperm retrieval rates were 99% (n = 79/80) and 32% (n = 18/56) for OA and NOA men respectively. Fifty-eight couples proceeded to ICSI. Overall 114 ICSI cycles were performed and 33 cycles resulted in fertilisation (29%). Our sperm retrieval and pregnancy rates are consistent with international studies and support the ongoing role for TESE and ICSI as successful assisted reproductive techniques for male factor infertility in Ireland.