Abstract
Objective: To investigate the predictive value of sperm morphology assessed by strict criteria on IVF outcome. Design: Retrospective analysis of all IVF cycles (January 1987 to December 1992). Main Outcome Measures: All patients were assigned to one of three groups based on sperm morphology: P- pattern (<4% normal forms), G-pattern (4% to 14% normal forms), and N- pattern (>14% normal forms). Morphology pattern was related to other semen characteristics and IVF outcome. Results: Despite corrective measures at oocyte insemination, the fertilization rate was significantly different among the three morphology groups, P < G < N. N-pattern sperm produced a mean fertilization rate over 85% regardless of low motility or concentration. In a cohort study, P-pattern cycles produced a lower implantation rate and lower ongoing pregnancy rate, independent of the lower fertilization rate. Conclusions: Strict morphology is an excellent biomarker of sperm fertilizing capacity, independent of motility and concentration. P-pattern sperm may denote a poorer prognosis for establishing a pregnancy, even after a satisfactory fertilization rate is achieved.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 559-567 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Fertility and sterility |
Volume | 62 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1994 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Teratozoospermia
- fertilization
- implantation
- strict morphology
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Reproductive Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology