The role of sperm in the success of IVF

Throughout the years, the percentage of infertility has risen dramatically; today it reaches the 15-20%. A long time ago we used to believe that the failure of conception and childlessness was woman’s insufficiency and responsibility. Nowadays, we have the knowledge, from statistical records, that men are at least 40% co-responsible for couples’ infertility. However, from this majority of men, only 5-10% are trying to conceive.

At this point, it is important to mention that in some cases both men and women may be infertile or sub-fertile and the one of the two may be the cause of infertility.

According to Word Health Organization (WHO) the ratings of a physical semen analysis measured by the number of sperm per milliliter of ejaculate after two further follow –ups are:

There is an extremely significant role the sperm plays in terms of fertilization. The factors that could affect the quality of the sperm vary with the most common of them being:

• Lifestyle
• Oxidative Stress
• Genetic abnormalities
• Lack of specific minerals and vitamins
• Current medication
• Radiation, etc.

Moreover, during an IVF procedure it is of vital importance for the embryologists to check the motility, number and morphology of the spermatozoa as they could definitely affect the result of an assisted reproduction treatment as well as the efforts for a natural pregnancy. Thus they are processing (“clean”) the semen before the stage of the fertilization. However, if you are trying for a natural conception, please get advice from your gynecologist before and proceed with a semen analysis in order for a first view of the semen.

Diagnosis of male infertility

The diagnosis of male infertility is usually indicated by:

1. Medical history
2. Clinical examination
3. Hormonal test (FSH, testosterone levels etc.)
4. Semen analysis: This is the most common type of fertility testing. There must be sexual abstinence from 3-5 days, and must be done twice in a three-month time. If oligozoospermia or azoospermia is detected (decreased number of spermatozoa in semen), genetic testing should be done.
   1. Standard karyotyping
   2. PCR of tagged chromosomal sites (to detect microdeletions affecting the Y chromosome)
   3. Evaluation for mutations of the CFTR gene

Raise awareness today on what you can do to prevent your fertility. We are here to listen to you, advise you and guide you. Contact us today at +30 210 6895001 and come a step closer on achieving one of your future goals with our help.