Fresh MESA improved embryo fertilization, cleavage, blastula formation and implantation rates after failed TESA in couples with obstructive azoospermia

Purpose To determine whether our use of fresh MESA cycles improved outcomes in patients with obstructive azoospermia who had failed IVF with TESA. Methods A prospective observational trial of couples undergoing IVF for obstructive azoospermia was performed at an academic IVF center. Results When TESA resulted in poor embryo cleavage, implantation and ongoing pregnancy rates, subsequent fresh MESA cycles in these same couples, demonstrated dramatic improvement in cleavage, blastulation, implantation and live birth rates. Conclusions In patients undergoing IVF-TESA-ICSI with obstructive azoospermia resulting in poor cleavage rates, blastulation rates and cycle failure, a repeat cycle with MESA may result in marked improvement in outcome.