| At our hospital, we test the husband first to see if sperm can be collected/retrieved and then we check for the fertility effectiveness of that sperm. It is only after this that egg retrieval will be initiated. All sperm retrieved, even minute amounts such as 1 or 2 sperm, can be Cryopreserved (frozen and stored) for later use. The eggs that were unsuccessful during the ICSI process can be used to preserve these very few sperms. The egg cytoplasm is removed, 2-4 sperms are injected into the eggs, and then the eggs containing the sperm are frozen. (Please refer the images below.)
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-- Spermatids --
Even in cases where no mature sperm can be found in the testis of azoospermic men, about 30% of these men still have produced late-staged spermatids that are contained in their testis. A late-staged spermatid is an undeveloped sperm that is one stage prior to becoming a fully developed sperm. For these cases, it may be possible to conceive using these late-staged spermatids through ICSI (Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection). There are 2 basic spermatid types, round spermatids and late-stage spermatids. An early stage spermatid that has a round nucleus (center) is called a round spermatid, and when a spermatid starts to become elongated it is then called a late-stage spermatid.
Although the rate of successful pregnancies when using late-stage spermatids is comparable to that of mature sperm there may be risks when using these immature cells and safety cannot be guaranteed 100% of the time. The first successful treatment of infertility using late-stage spermatids at our hospital was over 7 years ago. This is a relatively short period of time so that it is yet unknown if there are any delayed side effects from this treatment. Until now we have not seen any reports of child onset problems associated with this treatment, although there does appear to be risk that a male child may also become azoospermic. Reports have suggested that azoospermia may not only be a chromosomal problem but may be a genetic problem. We recommend that those who are concerned have a chromosomal analysis and genetic exam done. For patients who desire this treatiment option, we will explain the risks and benefits involved with treatment using immature spermatids.
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