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Frozen Embryos Generated from Surgically Retrieved Sperm from Azoospermic Men: Are They Clinically Viable?

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Abstract

Purpose: To assess the viability of frozen-thawed embryos derived from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in azoospermic men.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 154 consecutive ICSI cycles using surgically retrieved sperm from azoospermic men and case-control comparison of subsequent frozen transfer cycles with those using embryos generated from ejaculated sperm.

Results: Patient and fresh cycle characteristics were similar in both groups. There were no differences between the two groups in the proportion of pronucleate (54% and 62%), and cleavage-stage embryos thawed (46% and 38%), post-thaw survival rates (retrievals: 69%; ejaculated: 73%) or quality of frozen embryos subsequently transferred. Implantation was significantly lower in frozen cycles where embryos were generated from surgically retrieved sperm (0% versus 11.5%; p=0.03). Both clinical pregnancy rate (5% versus 21%) and livebirth rate (0% versus 21%) were lower in this group, but only the difference in LBR reached borderline statistical difference (p=0.10).

Conclusion: This small series demonstrates a significant impairment in implantation in FET cycles using embryos generated from surgically retrieved sperm and a trend towards a poorer pregnancy outcome.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Assisted Conception Unit, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Rd., London, SW10 9NH, U.K.

    James D. M. Nicopoullos, Carole Gilling-Smith & Paula A. Almeida

  2. Consultant Urologist, Charring Cross Hospital, London, W6 8RF, U.K.

    Jonathan W. A. Ramsay

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  1. James D. M. Nicopoullos
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  2. Jonathan W. A. Ramsay
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  3. Carole Gilling-Smith
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  4. Paula A. Almeida
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Correspondence to James D. M. Nicopoullos.

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Nicopoullos, J.D.M., Ramsay, J.W.A., Gilling-Smith, C. et al. Frozen Embryos Generated from Surgically Retrieved Sperm from Azoospermic Men: Are They Clinically Viable?. J Assist Reprod Genet 21, 401–407 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-004-7528-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-004-7528-5

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