Relevancy of electron microscopy in the study of male factor in conjugal infertility

Abstract

In recent years, the study of male factor in conjugal infertility, has received more attention since it was recognized as an important cause of infertility in 30-50% of the cases; and to the diminishing quality of semen, observed during the last decades, possibly related to environmental polution.Alterations in sperm motility has been included as a direct cause of male infertility along with the traditionally known causes. Frequently these alterations have been related to morphological changes of spermatozoa. The morphology and size of sperm cells are higly variable in human semen and abnormal forms also can be found in fertile men. Experimental data demonstrate that abnormal spermatozoa are not functional cells. There are many clinical reports that associate spermatic dismorphy with infertility. Previously reported abnormalities in the sperm morphology related to infertility include: acrosomal agenesis, defects in the dynein arms and fibrous sheath displasia. Therefore, it is important to undertake the ultrastructural study of spermatozoa to determine subcellular pathology of the gamete which could explain the reproductive failure, specially if there is no evident cause of the motility defect or if there has been no response to treatment, or if the assisted reproductive programs have failed repeatedly.