With the introduction of intracytoplasmic sperm injection, the ability to achieve acceptable fertilization rates with IVF even when a male factor is present has become routine. Now more attention is being paid to the post fertilization capacity of sperm to enhance embryo quality and ultimately live birth outcomes. Techniques looking at individual sperm at very high magnification and other measures to select out more functional sperm for use with sperm injection are being used by more fertility centers.
Another area that deserves attention is how diet and nutritional supplements may improve sperm quality. It is believed that oxidative stress plays a role in elevated levels of sperm DNA fragmentation. Some studies have shown poorer outcomes for both spontaneous conceptions as well as those through assisted reproduction with sperm having high levels of DNA fragmentation.
Studies have also shown that men with abnormal sperm DNA fragmentation who consume Vitamin C and E at appropriate levels for their antioxidant properties have an improvement in their sperm quality. At Community Fertility Specialists, we have begun to recommend these supplements for more men as they and their partners undergo IVF. Prenatal vitamins may not be just for women anymore.1
1Reduction of the Incidence of Sperm DNA Fragmentation by Oral Antioxidant Treatmen, ERMANNO GRECO,* MARCELLO IACOBELLI,* LAURA RIENZI,* FILIPPO UBALDI,* SUSANNA FERRERO,* AND JAN TESARIK†‡ From the *Centre for Reproductive Medicine, European Hospital, Rome, Italy; the †MAR&Gen, Molecular Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Granada, Spain; and the ‡Laboratoire d’Eylau, Paris, France. J Androl 2005;26:349-253.