Influence of multiple transrectal electroejaculations on semen parameters and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To compare semen parameters and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome in spinal cord-injured subjects who underwent single (group 1) or multiple (group 2) electroejaculations before ICSI.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, controlled study.


METHODS
Department of gynecology, obstetrics, and pediatric science in a reproductive medicine unit at a major Italian university.


METHODS
Thirty-four healthy women with a male partner with SCI who were seeking assisted reproduction services.


METHODS
Transrectal electroejaculation, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, and ICSI.


METHODS
Sperm concentration, morphology, and motility and fertilization and pregnancy rates after ICSI.


RESULTS
Sperm was successfully retrieved in 94.1% of cases. In male subjects who underwent multiple electroejaculations, statistically significant improvements in sperm concentration and total sperm motility rate were observed. The overall fertilization rate was 63.6%. The number of oocytes retrieved and injected was comparable between the two groups. A total of nine clinical pregnancies were achieved. The pregnancy rate was statistically significantly higher in group 2 (n = 6/16; 37.5%) than in group 1 (n = 3/16; 18.75%).


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that multiple electroejaculation has a positive effect on semen parameters and ICSI outcome.
Giulini
Simone
S
Department of Gynaecological, Obstetric and Paediatric Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Pesce
Francesco
F
Madgar
Igael
I
Marsella
Tiziana
T
Volpe
Annibale
A
de Aloysio
Domenico
D
Battaglia
Cesare
C
D000328:Adult; D004542:Ejaculation; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D012007:Rectum; D013076:Sperm Count; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*