Do assisted reproduction outcomes differ according to aetiology of obstructive azoospermia?

Abstract

Azoospermia is defined as absence of spermatozoa and may be secondary to blocked seminal ducts, known as obstructive azoospermia. Semen quality may be impaired due to factors such as sperm cell DNA fragmentation and presence of antisperm antibodies. The objective of this article was to investigate potential differences in outcomes of in vitro fertilisation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection between groups with different obstruction aetiology, as well as between the use of different techniques and sperm cells of different origins. Retrospective, multi-centre analysis of 621 first cycles was carried out between 2008 and 2015: Group I, congenital obstruction, 45 patients and Group 2, vasectomy, 576 patients. Sperm cell retrieval was achieved in all cases. Results were similar forGroup I and II fertilisation rates, 70% versus 66.85% (p=.786); pregnancy rates, 42.5% versus 41.46% (p=.896); and live birth rates, 29.73% versus 17.69% (p=.071). According to sperm cell origin (579 epididymal vs. 42 testicular), pregnancy rates, 41.47% versus 43.9% (p=.760); andlive birth rates, 18.3% versus 27.78% (p=.163)had no difference. Fertilisation, pregnancy and live birth rates did not differ according to obstruction aetiology. Outcomes did not differ between groups according to sperm cell origin.