Oligospermic infertility treated by in-vitro fertilization

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Andrology
• In Vitro Fertilization

Background:

• Oligospermia, characterized by low sperm count, is a common cause of male infertility.
• The impact of varying degrees of oligospermia on fertilization and pregnancy rates in IVF is a critical area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between sperm quality (oligospermia severity) and fertilization rates in IVF.
• To assess the subsequent pregnancy rates following embryo transfer in couples undergoing IVF with different male partner sperm qualities.

Main Methods:

• Classification of 451 couples into normospermic, moderately oligospermic, and severely oligospermic groups based on motile sperm count.
• Comparison of oocyte fertilization rates and total fertilization failure rates across the defined groups.
• Analysis of fertilization rates using husband's sperm versus donor sperm in severe oligospermia cases.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in oocyte fertilization was observed with decreasing sperm quality, from 72% in normospermic to 30% in severely oligospermic groups.
• Total fertilization failure increased progressively with oligospermia severity (5% to 41%).
• Fertilization rates were significantly lower with oligospermic husband's sperm (23%) compared to donor sperm (74%), suggesting a functional sperm defect.

Conclusions:

• Severe oligospermia is associated with significantly impaired fertilization in IVF.
• Despite fertilization challenges, the potential for successful pregnancy appears consistent across all sperm quality groups post-embryo transfer.
• Oligospermic sperm may have functional defects impacting fertilization but do not necessarily compromise embryo developmental potential.