Sperm magnification: a new approach to the male factor in assisted reproduction

Sperm magnification: a new approach to the male factor in assisted reproduction In recent years, several studies have analyzed spermatozoa using high magnification microscopy. All these studies have found a clear link between the presence of vacuoles in the head of spermatozoa and pregnancy and abortion rates, as well as an increase in the percentage of DNA fragmentation. Indeed, sperm morphology and the presence or absence of nuclear vacuoles seems to reflect the physiological state of spermatozoa. The Barcelona Center for Infertility and Human Reproduction recently acquired a high-magnification microscope for routine use in diagnosis and intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI). Several research studies have been designed; among the aims of these studies are to determine the effect of antioxidants on reduction of spermatic vacuoles and identify which sperm preparation technique yields the highest percentage of spermatozoa with the lowest number of vacuoles, etc. Our goal was to incorporate a new tool to deepen knowledge of human spermatozoa and to improve both diagnosis of the male factor and the results of the various assisted reproduction techniques used in the laboratory.