OBJECTIVETo evaluate the association of sperm mobility parameters assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) with the rates of normal fertilization, oocyte cleavage and excellent embryos in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.

METHODSA total of 288 infertile women undergoing IVF cycles patients were divided into two groups according to the normal fertilization rate (≥50% and <50%), cleavage rate (≥90% and <90%), or excellent embryo rates (≥50% and <50%). The means of the sperm motility parameters analyzed by CASA twice before oocyte retrieval were recorded and analyzed using t-test in relation to the rates of normal fertilization, cleavage and excellent embryos in IVF cycles.

RESULTSThe mean curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path velocity (VAP), and amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) were significantly higher in women with a normal fertilization rate of ≥50% than in those with a normal fertilization rate of <50% (P<0.05). Women with an oocyte cleavage rate of ≥90% had significantly higher VCL and VAP than those with a cleavage rate of <90% (P<0.05). The VCL, straight line velocity (VSL), VAP, linearity, straightness, wobble coefficient, ALH, or beat-cross frequency showed no significant differences between women with excellent embryo rates of ≥50% and <50% (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe sperm motility parameters assessed using CASA are associated with normal fertilization and oocyte cleavage rates but not with excellent embryo rate in IVF cycles.