Sperm Selection for ICSI: Do We Have a Winner?

In assisted reproductive technology (ART), the aim of sperm cells' preparation is to select competent spermatozoa with the highest fertilization potential and in this context, the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) represents the most applied technique for fertilization. This makes the process of identifying the perfect spermatozoa extremely important. A number of methods have now been developed to mimic some of the natural selection processes that exist in the female reproductive tract.

A fast and safe technique for sperm preparation in ICSI treatments within a randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Recently a novel method based on horizontal sperm migration in injection dishes has been introduced as an additional tool for preparation of semen sample in assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. In the present study, we evaluated both timing and reproductive outcomes in a randomized controlled study including 1034 intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures followed by fresh embryo transfer. Couples enrolled were divided into two sub-groups, namely conventional swim-up method (Group A), and horizontal sperm migration in injection dishes (Group B).

Basal FSH concentration as a predictor of IVF outcome in older women undergoing stimulation with GnRH antagonist.

The aim of this study was to determine the value of basal FSH as a predictor of assisted reproduction outcome in women >or=35 years undergoing ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist. A retrospective clinical study was carried out on 83 infertile women, 35-45 years old, divided into three groups according to their day 3 FSH concentration (group A = FSH 10 and <15 mIU/ml, group C = FSH >15 mIU/ml). Patients underwent ovarian stimulation with a GnRH-antagonist protocol.

Pituitary desensitization for eight weeks after the administration of two distinct gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists.

Objective(s): The objective was to evaluate the duration of pituitary desensitization after the administration of 3.5 mg of triptorelin (T) and leuprolin (L) depot preparations in patients with endometriosis.

Study Design: Two groups of 30 patients received, on 21st day of the cycle, 3.

A novel protocol of ovulation induction with delayed gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist administration combined with high-dose recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone and clomiphene citrate for poor responders and women over 35 years.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a novel protocol of ovulation induction for poor responders.

Design: Prospective, controlled, clinical study.

Setting: Research institute's reproductive unit.

Recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone as a pretreatment for idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermic patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of recombinant human FSH pretreatment in improving fertilization and pregnancy rates in oligozoospermic patients who are undergoing ICSI.

Design: Prospective, controlled, clinical study.

Setting: A research institute's reproductive unit.