In vitro fertilisation when normal sperm morphology is less than fifteen per cent. Results of in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer at H.F. Verwoerd Hospital, Pretoria

S Afr Med J. 1990 Aug 18;78(4):203-4.

Abstract

The outcome of in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer in 90 couples where the husband's normal sperm morphology was less than 15% were analysed. Based on the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa the patients were divided into three groups: group A--normal morphological features 0-5%; group B--6-10%; and group C--11-14%. A control group had normal morphological features greater than or equal to 15%. The fertilisation rate and number of embryos transferred was not significantly different in these groups. However, the pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was significantly different for groups A and B compared with group C and the control group (0% and 5.9% for groups A and B v. 13.9% and 18.3% for group C and the control group, respectively). It is concluded that when the normal sperm morphology is less than 11% the prospect of a pregnancy is poor.

MeSH terms

  • Embryo Transfer*
  • Fertilization in Vitro*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Spermatozoa / pathology*