The use of testicular sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection in patients with necrozoospermia.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using testicular spermatozoa from necrozoospermic patients results in acceptable fertilization and transfer rates. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Five patients presenting consistently with 100% dead spermatozoa in their ejaculates. INTERVENTIONS: In seven treatment cycles, an open testicular biopsy was performed to increase the chances for retrieving viable spermatozoa which were used for ICSI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sperm recovery, fertilization, and transfer rates. RESULTS: Testicular sperm were recovered in all treatment cycles and fertilization occurred in six of seven cycles. Overall normal fertilization and transfer rates were 67% and 71%, respectively. One live birth was obtained after five ETs. CONCLUSION: We recommend testicular sperm recovery for ICSI in patients who invariably or occasionally present with absolute necrozoospermia.