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Does isolated teratozoospermia affect performance in in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer?
J N Robinson1, G M Lockwood, A Dokras
1Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Sperm morphology classification may guide patient counseling for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) expectations. However, it is not a reliable index for predicting fertilizing potential in clinical management.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Assisted Reproductive Technology
- Sperm Analysis
Background:
- Sperm morphology is a key factor in male fertility assessment.
- Its strict classification's impact on in-vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of strict spermatozoal morphology classification on IVF and embryo transfer (ET) treatment outcomes.
- To determine if morphology is a reliable predictor of fertilizing potential.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 2144 consecutive IVF/ET cycles.
- Standardized long protocol gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue cycles were used.
- Exclusion criteria included abnormal sperm density, motility, and oocyte quality.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in achieving normalized fertilization rates between groups with >14% and 4-14% normal sperm forms.
- A statistically significantly lower chance of achieving normalized fertilization rates in patients with <4% normal forms (P < 0.005).
- No significant differences observed in other endpoints like insemination rates, embryo transfer numbers, blastocyst formation, or pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Sperm morphology classification is useful for counseling patients on IVF treatment expectations.
- It is inappropriate to use strict morphological classification as an index of fertilizing potential in clinical management.