In vitro fertilization and pregnancy rates: the influence of sperm motility and morphology on IVF outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between sperm motility and sperm morphology parameters and IVF and pregnancy rates.


METHODS
Pre- and postpreparation analysis of semen samples from infertile couples undergoing IVF-ET.


METHODS
Andrology Laboratory, Royal Maternity Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland.


METHODS
One hundred fifty couples undergoing IVF-ET treatment at the Regional Fertility Centre.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
The ability of human sperm to achieve IVF and pregnancy was investigated in relation to motility parameters (assessed with computer-aided sperm analysis [Integrated Visual Optical System] and percent normal morphology (determined with the strict criteria).


RESULTS
Significant differences were observed in motility parameters and percent normal morphology in samples that achieved > or =50% fertilization compared with < or =50% fertilization and between samples that achieved a pregnancy compared with those that did not. Significant positive correlations were observed between percent progressive motility, the velocity of sperm movement, and morphology parameters and both IVF and pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
Both sperm motility parameters and percent normal morphology are significant factors in predicting fertilization and pregnancy rates in IVF.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland. e.donnelly@qub.ac.uk
E T
ET
Donnelly
S E
SE
Lewis
J A
JA
McNally
W
W
Thompson
D000328:Adult; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D013077:Sperm Head / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016896:Treatment Outcome