Sperm morphology assessment in the era of intracytoplasmic sperm injection: Reliable results require focus on standardization, quality control, and training
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Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Korean Society for Sexual Medicine and Andrology
Abstract
Semen analysis is the first, and frequently, the only step in the evaluation of male fertility. Although the laboratory procedures
are conducted according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, semen analysis and especially sperm morphology assessment is very difficult to standardize and obtain reproducible results. This is mainly due to the highly subjective
nature of their evaluation. ICSI is the choice of treatment when sperm morphology is severely abnormal (teratozoospermic).
Hence, the standardization of laboratory protocols for sperm morphology evaluation represents a fundamental step to ensure
reliable, accurate and consistent laboratory results that avoid misdiagnoses and inadequate treatment of the infertile patient.
This article aims to promote standardized laboratory procedures for an accurate evaluation of sperm morphology, including
the establishment of quality control and quality assurance policies. Additionally, the clinical importance of sperm morphology results in assisted reproductive outcomes is discussed, along with the clinical management of teratozoospermic patients.
Description
Keywords
Sperm Injection, Abnormality, Morphology, Sperm, Male fertility
Citation
Agarwal, A. et al. (2021). Sperm morphology assessment in the era of intracytoplasmic sperm injection: Reliable results require focus on standardization, quality control, and training. World Journal of Men’s Health, 39. https://doi.org/10.5534/WJMH.210054