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What can we learn about posthumous sperm retrieval after extra long-term follow-up?
Itai Gat1,2,3, Ana Umanski4, Sarita Kaufman4
1Sperm Bank & Andrology Unit, Shamir Medical Center, Zrifin, Israel. itaigatmd@gmail.com.
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
|June 11, 2022
Summary
Posthumous sperm retrieval (PMSR) is highly effective, with shorter harvest times yielding motile sperm. Clinical use of retrieved sperm is higher in married men, while single men
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- Posthumous sperm retrieval (PMSR) allows for the use of sperm after a man's death.
- Understanding factors influencing sperm quality and usage is crucial for effective application of PMSR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the success rate of sperm extraction using testicular sperm extraction (TESE) for PMSR.
- To analyze the impact of harvest time on sperm motility.
- To compare the long-term usage of cryopreserved sperm between married and single deceased men.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of all PMSR cases at Shamir Medical Center from 2003 to 2021.
- Evaluation of sperm cryopreservation based on post-mortem latency time.
- Assessment of sperm usage in accordance with Israeli PMSR regulations.
Main Results:
- Sperm was cryopreserved in 94.2% of cases (n=69), with an average harvest time of 16.5 hours.
- Shorter harvest times were significantly associated with the extraction of motile sperm (13.8 vs. 18.7 hours).
- Sperm usage was significantly higher in married (15.6%) versus single (0%) deceased men, with a higher rate of non-used samples in single men (93.8%).
Conclusions:
- PMSR demonstrates high efficacy, with harvest time being a critical factor for obtaining motile sperm.
- Clinical usage rates justify PMSR for married deceased individuals.
- Current policies for single men lead to a high rate of non-used sperm and emotional distress for relatives.
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