Electroejaculation and assisted reproductive techniques for anejaculatory infertility.

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience with electroejaculation combined with intrauterine inseminations (IUI) and other assisted reproductive technologies.

METHODS

Anejaculatory men desirous of fertility were evaluated in our Assisted Reproductive Program. Between March 1991 and December 1994, 26 men (age 24-48) underwent a total of 84 electroejaculations. Causes of anejaculation included spinal cord injury (n = 23) and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (n = 3). Female partners were super-ovulated to improve the pregnancy rate. The success in sperm retrieval and pregnancy rates were determined, and the quality of electroejaculates was evaluated.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven of 84 (92%) electroejaculations were successful, defined by retrieval of more than 10 x 10(6) total and more than 10(6) motile spermatozoa. Mean sperm count was 65 million/mL (range 0-569), but mean motility was only 16% (range 0-66). Mean normal morphology was 27% (range 0-71). Ten couples attempted conception. Fifty cycles of IUIs were performed, resulting in four normal term infants and one spontaneous abortion (pregnancy rate 10% per IUI). One patient failed to conceive with eight cycles of IUIs but became pregnant with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer with micromanipulation using electroejaculates; she delivered a set of healthy twins. Two couples elected donor sperm insemination after failing to conceive by IUI with electroejaculates; both became pregnant.

CONCLUSION

Electroejaculation offers an encouraging pregnancy opportunity for anejaculatory men who otherwise are considered infertile. Marked asthenospermia is observed in electroejaculates, the etiology of which remains obscure. Further studies to elucidate the cause may improve pregnancy rates.