The use of testicular sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection in patients with necrozoospermia.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using testicular spermatozoa from necrozoospermic patients results in acceptable fertilization and transfer rates.


METHODS
Retrospective clinical study.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Five patients presenting consistently with 100% dead spermatozoa in their ejaculates.


METHODS
In seven treatment cycles, an open testicular biopsy was performed to increase the chances for retrieving viable spermatozoa which were used for ICSI.


METHODS
Sperm recovery, fertilization, and transfer rates.


RESULTS
Testicular sperm were recovered in all treatment cycles and fertilization occurred in six of seven cycles. Overall normal fertilization and transfer rates were 67% and 71%, respectively. One live birth was obtained after five ETs.


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend testicular sperm recovery for ICSI in patients who invariably or occasionally present with absolute necrozoospermia.
Tournaye
H
H
Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital, Dutch-speaking Brussels Free University, Brussels, Belgium.
Liu
J
J
Nagy
Z
Z
Verheyen
G
G
Van Steirteghem
A
A
Devroey
P
P
D000328:Adult; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000379:methods; D005306:Fertilization / Q000502:physiology; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008845:Microinjections / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology