title: Manipulation of sperm before intracytoplasmic sperm injection improves fertilization rates.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effect of sperm manipulation before intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on fertilization rates.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three methods of sperm manipulation before direct ICSI were compared in two sibling oocyte trials.
  
  
  METHODS
  In vitro fertilization unit within a teaching hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients undergoing infertility treatment using ICSI.
  
  
  METHODS
  Oocytes were inseminated by ICSI.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fertilization rate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the first trial, a standard manipulation technique gave a 67% fertilization rate compared with 64% with a minimal manipulation technique. In the second trial the standard technique gave a significantly greater fertilization rate compared with no prior manipulation (67% versus 45%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Manipulation of sperm before direct ICSI is not mandatory for fertilization but significantly improves the fertilization rate.
authors.affiliation: Human Reproduction Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Catt
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: O'Neill
mesh_terms: D003593:Cytoplasm; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008845:Microinjections; D009865:Oocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*