In cases with raised sperm DNA fragmentation, can sperm selection by magnetic-activated cell sorting or testicular sperm aspiration help improve reproductive outcomes?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) or testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) to improve reproductive outcomes in cases with elevated sperm DNA fragmentation undergoing assisted reproduction. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial included couples with failed IVF cycles and sperm DNA fragmentation > 30%. Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed using the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) method. Participants were randomly assigned to either the MACS or TESA group. Testicular sperm retrieval was performed for the TESA group, while MACS involved sperm selection using magnetic beads. Extended blastocyst culture, freeze all policy of blastocysts by vitrification, and frozen embryo transfer were undertaken as per clinic's standard operating protocols. Blastocyst formation rate, implantation rate, miscarriage rate, multiple pregnancy rate, and live birth rate were analyzed and compared between MACS and TESA groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in female age, male age, or sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) between the MACS and TESA groups. The blastocyst conversion rate was slightly higher in the TESA group (39%) compared to the MACS group (32%). However, the MACS group had a higher implantation rate (50%) than the TESA group (35%). Miscarriage rates, multiple pregnancy rates, and live birth rates did not show statistically significant differences between the groups. A chi-squared test was conducted to compare categorical variables, and t-tests were done to compare continuous variables. CONCLUSION: In cases with raised sperm DNA fragmentation, sperm selection by MACS or TESA seems to offer comparable reproductive outcomes. There seems no superiority of one intervention over the other in cases with raised sperm DNA fragmentation undergoing assisted reproduction. Both interventions seem to be beneficial for couples seeking assisted reproduction with raised sperm DNA fragmentation.

Does Testicular Sperm Alter Reproductive and Perinatal Outcomes in Assisted Reproductive Technology Cycles? 10 Years' Experience in an Indian Clinic.

Background: Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) has revolutionized the reproductive outcomes for couples with male factor infertility. Especially in azoospermic men, use of ICSI with surgically retrieved testicular sperm has helped them have their own biological child. However, considering the immature nature of testicular sperm safety of testicular sperm has been debated. Aims: To compare reproductive outcomes, neonatal outcomes and the incidence of congenital malformations in children born after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), using different sperm origins. Settings and Design: This is a retrospective study in which a total of 989 participants were enrolled. Study group (Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) ICSI group) had 552 couples with female partners aged ≤37 and had self gamete cycles. ICSI cycles with ejaculated sperm (EJS) acted as the control group. Materials and Methods: All male patients underwent surgical sperm retrieval and all the women underwent controlled ovarian stimulation and transvaginal oocyte retrieval and Ovum Pick Up (OPU) as per the standard operating procedures of the clinic. Frozen embryo transfer with two good-grade blastocysts, which had shown 100% survival, were transferred in subsequent cycles. Statistical Analysis Used: The Student's t-test was performed for age distribution; odds ratio was performed to find the confounding factors. Results: Embryonic and reproductive outcomes were comparable and not statistically significant in the study and control groups. Incidence of congenital anomalies was observed in singleton live births and twin live births in both the TESA-ICSI group and the EJS-ICSI group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our study revealed that congenital malformations in children born out of ICSI using testicular sperm and EJS were similar; no difference was observed in miscarriages between the testicular sperm-ICSI and EJS-ICSI group. Our data suggests that surgical sperm retrieval in couples with male factor infertility does not alter their reproductive outcome.

46XX Testicular Disorder of Sex Development.

In this case report, we present the case of a 31-year-old man who presented with primary infertility, azoospermia and occasional sexual dysfunction. History and general physical examination were unremarkable. Local examination showed bilateral low volume testes and remaining aspects of the male reproductive tract were unremarkable. Detailed investigation showed a hypergonadotropic hypogonadism suggestive of primary testicular failure. Genetic screening showed a 46XX karyotype and Y chromosome testing was positive for sex-determining region (SRY) gene. Ultrasound abdomen was normal renal system and adrenal glands. A diagnosis of 46XX testicular disorders of sex development (DSD) was made. The incidence of this disorder is estimated to be 1:20,000 males. Such syndromic male partners generally have normal external genitalia and discover this disorder only in adulthood because of infertility. Such men have small volume testes, azoospermia and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Genetic and endocrine consultations are necessary to manage hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Testicular sperm extraction is not recommended as there are deletions in all regions of Y chromosome, and adoption or assisted reproduction technology with a sperm donor are fertility options.