Re-evaluation of the value of sperm morphology in classical in vitro fertilization in a Northeastern Chinese population

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to re-evaluate the clinical value of a 4% cut-off threshold of sperm morphology in in vitro fertilization (IVF) in a cohort of a Northeastern Chinese population. Methods A total of 375 IVF cycles that met strict inclusion criteria were included. These cycles were conducted with semen analysis and oocyte fertilization. A total of 188 embryo-transferred cycles proceeded. According to sperm morphology, 375 cycles were divided into group 1 (329 cycles, <4% normal sperm morphology rate [NSMR]) and group 2 (46 cycles, ≥4% NSMR), and 188 transferred cycles into group A (151 cycles, < 4% NSMR) and group B (37 cycles, ≥4% NSMR). Results The fertilization and normal fertilization rates were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2. The normal fertilization rate was significantly correlated with an NSMR < 4% or ≥4%, but the fertilization rate was not significantly correlated with the NSMR. No significant differences were found in pregnancy outcomes between groups A and B. Conclusions This study suggests that infertile patients with an NSMR < 4% are more likely to have a poor normal fertilization status in IVF.

Sperm Morphology Assessment in the Era of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: Reliable Results Require Focus on Standardization, Quality Control, and Training

“…In specimens with otherwise normal count and motility, poor morphology may itself be a determinant in deciding whether or not to proceed with ICSI. When the percentage of sperm with normal morphology is <4%, fertilization with IUI and IVF is poor, and ICSI should be preferred [ 20 ].…”

Sperm morphology: What implications on the assisted reproductive outcomes?

“…The reference range for normal SM moved from 30% in 1992 to 14% in 1999 and finally to 4% in 2010. 7 Although some laboratories do not consider SM quite important, 8 several studies have demonstrated that poor sperm quality and SM are associated with higher incidence of aneuploid embryos, suggesting that the meiotic events occurring during fertilization could impact on the distribution of chromosomes. 9,10 Moreover, comparing couples which men have normal SM < 4% and those with SM ≥ 4% in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, a significant reduction in fertilization rates was found in the first group, despite the lack of significant differences on clinical and neonatal outcomes.…”

“…The reference range for normal SM moved from 30% in 1992 to 14% in 1999 and finally to 4% in 2010 7 . Although some laboratories do not consider SM quite important, 8 several studies have demonstrated that poor sperm quality and SM are associated with higher incidence of aneuploid embryos, suggesting that the meiotic events occurring during fertilization could impact on the distribution of chromosomes 9,10 …”

Correlations between abnormalities of morphological details and DNA fragmentation in human sperm

“…www.eCERM.org requisite factor for the successful use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) [16,17]. Our results indicated that abnormal sperm mainly showed changes in head morphology, and that amorphous-head and tapered spermatozoa were more common in the abnormal morphology group.…”

“…Sperm morphology is the most relevant parameter in conventional semen analysis for predicting fertilization potential [ 11 , 15 ], a prerequisite factor for the successful use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) [ 16 , 17 ]. Our results indicated that abnormal sperm mainly showed changes in head morphology, and that amorphous-head and tapered spermatozoa were more common in the abnormal morphology group.…”