The effect of varying decreased sperm concentrations on embryogenesis using Embryoscope time lapse monitoring

Abstract

Background: Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has become one of the predominant optional technologies for couples struggling with natural conception. Male infertility is a major cause of ART failure. With the use of the Embryoscope, embryos can be better monitored in vitro, improving the selection criteria for embryo transfer. Aim: The aim of this study was to utilize the embryoscope to investigate the effects of decreased sperm concentrations (<10 million/ml), motility and abnormal morphology on ovum fertilisation and embryonic development up until the blastocyst stage. Method: 60 patients with a combined total of 586 ova which underwent ICSI were monitored using the Embryoscope time lapse monitoring system, from injection until blastocyst stage. Each patients’ semen biochemical analysis and morphology was performed. Ovum were then collected and monitored using the Embryoscope time lapse monitoring system. This data was then analysed and statistically compared using Statistica. Results: Of the sixty participants,11 had a low sperm concentration (group A), 16 a normal concentration (group B) and 33 a high concentration (group C). Greater than 80% of all ovum reached metaphase II allowing them to be injected. However, those with a reduced sperm count in group A had a significantly lower percentage of ovum reaching metaphase II compared to those with normal and high sperm concentration (66% vs 79% vs 77% p<0.014). In addition, 53% of ovum in group A reached the final blastocyst stage which was lower compared to group B with 71% and group C with 67% (p<0.133). While those with a lower sperm concentration had a decrease in ova development in the first two stages of embryogenesis there was however no significant difference between the growth rates of ova in all groups. In multivariate analysis sperm motility and morphology did not influence ova survival or growth rates. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that participants with low sperm counts had significantly lower fertilization and lower percentages of ovum reaching the blastocyst stage of development. There was however no significant difference in the rate of growth, and abnormal morphology and motility had no impact on the results.