Higher pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in cases with sperm defects

One hundred thirty-three couples were classified into four groups according to previous sperm analyses. These couples underwent 237 in vitro fertilization trials that led to 46 clinical pregnancies (19.4%/trial). Clinical pregnancy rate per laparoscopy of the group with male defects was significantly higher than that of the normospermic couples (25 versus 14%, P < 0.05). The fertilization rate was significantly reduced only if two sperm anomalies were present (P < 0.05). However, the mean number of embryos transferred did not differ significantly among the four groups, but the proportion of trials without transfer was increased with regard to the severity of sperm defect. Implantation rate per embryo in cases of triple transfer was significantly higher in the group with sperm anomalies as compared with the normospermic cases (18 versus 10%, P < 0.02). Correction of the male problem through IVF treatment allows higher female fertility to be disclosed in these cases.