[Transmission electron microscopy as an aid in the management of infertile men]

Light microscopic evaluation of the semen of infertile men with sperm motility and morphological problems and Kartagener's syndrome does not always provide sufficient evidence for the cause of infertility. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed on selected primary and secondary male infertility patients to determine the specific causes (ultrastructural) of infertility. A final diagnosis could be given to patients who had had over the years (average 8 years) several evaluations of their semen without any definite reason being given for their infertility. With TEM of the semen, ultrastructural abnormalities of the spermatozoa as causes of infertility could be demonstrated which were undetectable with standard routine light microscopy.