Modified strict sperm morphology threshold aids in the clinical selection of conventional <i>in vitro</i> fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Yong Zhu; Feng Zhang; Hua Cheng; Xiao-xi Sun; Feng Jiang

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Modified strict sperm morphology threshold aids in the clinical selection of conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Author: Yong ZHU ¹ ; Feng ZHANG ¹ ; Hua CHENG ² ; Xiao-Xi SUN ¹ ; Feng JIANG ²
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1. Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.
2. Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: clinical outcome; fertilization; in vitro; intracytoplasmic sperm injection; sperm morphology
MeSH: Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Retrospective Studies; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; Spermatozoa
From: Asian Journal of Andrology 2022;24(1):62-66
CountryChina
Language:English
Abstract: For infertility treatment, the selection of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is decided by multiplying indicators (including fallopian tube factors, semen count, and semen motility), except for sperm morphology. In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis, from implantation to birth, over a period of 5 years. A total of 1873 couples with primary or secondary fallopian tube factors and an increased defective sperm morphology rate (DSMR) were divided into different groups to receive IVF or ICSI cycles. By comparing the outcomes, we found that the F1 group (DSMR <96%, IVF group 1) had higher cleavage rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate than the F3 group (DSMR >98%, IVF group 3; P < 0.05). In contrast, there was no significant difference in the ICSI subgroups. Furthermore, a comparison of the outcomes between IVF and ICSI showed that the S3 group (DSMR >98%, ICSI group 3) had higher cleavage rate (P < 0.001), biochemical pregnancy rate (P < 0.05), clinical pregnancy rate (P < 0.05) and live birth rate (P < 0.05) than the F3 group. However, the ICSI subgroup had a lower two pronuclei fertilization rate than the IVF subgroup (P < 0.05). Our data suggest that the sperm morphology should also be considered when selecting IVF or ICSI combined with other semen parameters before the first assisted reproductive technologies (ART) cycle, especially for males with severe sperm defects.