In a nutshell
This study investigated preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in couples with severe male infertility. They found that PGT-A did not improve fertility outcomes in these couples.
Some background
Infertility affects men and women. Male factor infertility (MFI) is the cause of infertility in 30-50% of couples. Severe MFI is the most difficult to treat. Men with severe MFI may not produce sperm. Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) can be used to treat severe MFI. Improving fertility outcomes in these couples is important.
One of the factors that can reduce ART success is aneuploidy (AP). This term is used to describe an abnormal number of chromosomes (genetic material). AP can lead to poorer fertility outcoms. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) can detect AP in the embryo stage. This can be used to select embryos with the best chance for a positive outcome. It is unclear if PGT-A improves fertility outcomes in couples with severe MFI.
Methods & findings
This study included 266 couples with severe MFI. Some couples (90) underwent PGT-A before embryo transfer (ET). Other couples did not (176). The authors comparedfertility outcomes in the 2 groups. These included live birth rate (LBR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and miscarriage rate (MCR).
The LBR was 55.6% in the PGT-A group. This was compared to 51.1% in the non-PGT-A group. The difference between the groups was not statistically significant. There was no difference in other fertility outcomes between the 2 groups.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that PGT-A did not improve fertility outcomes in couples with severe MFI undergoing embryo transfer.
The fine print
The authors found that advanced female age had a significant effect on fertility outcomes. This is a known effect. The analysis included fresh and frozen ET. This could also affect fertility outcomes. More studies are needed.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding infertility treatments please discuss with your doctor.
Published By :
Reproductive BioMedicine Online
Date :
Oct 01, 2020
