Embryos generated using testicular spermatozoa have higher developmental potential than those obtained using epididymal spermatozoa in men with obstructive azoospermia.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the injection of testicular spermatozoa results in more viable embryos (higher implantation rate) than injection of epididymal spermatozoa in cases of obstructive azoospermia.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of 265 cases of testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) and percutaneous sperm aspiration (PESA), including 185 cases of obstructive azoospermia.

SETTING

Private Infertility clinic.

PATIENT(S): None, charts review.

INTERVENTION(S): None, charts review.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Clinical pregnancy rate (PR), implantation rate.

RESULT(S): Although fertilization rates were higher in the PESA group, implantation rates were significantly better in the TESA group. There was also a trend to higher ongoing PR and lower miscarriage rates in TESA cases.

CONCLUSION(S): In cases of obstructive azoospermia, embryos generated using testicular spermatozoa have higher developmental potential than those obtained using epididymal spermatozoa.