In a nutshell
This study examined the effect of sperm DNA damage on live birth rates during in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Some background
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) involves fertilization of the female egg with the male sperm in a lab dish, and then implanting the fertilized egg into the womb lining three to five days after fertilization. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a method of fertilization often performed as part of IVF. ICSI includes injection of treated sperm (from the male) directly into the egg (from the female).
Low quality sperm, often due to sperm DNA damage, can cause male infertility. DNA is a chemical code the body uses for making proteins, including sperm. Sperm DNA damage has been linked to reduced pregnancy rates.
Methods & findings
This article examined whether the extent of sperm DNA damage (low versus high) impacts the number of babies born following IVF and ICSI.
This article summarized the results of 6 separate research studies performed over the past 10 years. The studies all included patients undergoing IVF or ICSI treatment. Overall, the authors found that the odds of achieving live births were 17% higher in couples with low sperm DNA damage compared to those with high sperm DNA damage. In particular, the odds of achieving a live birth were 27% higher after IVF treatment and 11% higher after ICSI treatment in men with low sperm DNA damage, compared to high DNA damage.
However, when the authors performed more in-depth analysis by accounting for female factors (such as the age and fertility levels of the female partner) they found that the detrimental impact of DNA damage on live birth was only seen after IVF, and not ICSI.
The bottom line
The authors conclude that high sperm DNA damage has a harmful effect on the chances of live births during IVF, but not ICSI. Therefore, ICSI treatment may be beneficial in men with high sperm DNA damage.
The fine print
These results are based on a small number of studies; therefore more studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Published By :
Reproductive BioMedicine Online
Date :
Feb 01, 2015
