In vitro fertilization and pregnancy rates: the influence of sperm motility and morphology on IVF outcome

Objective: To determine the relationship between sperm motility and sperm morphology parameters and IVF and pregnancy rates. Design: Pre- and postpreparation analysis of semen samples from infertile couples undergoing IVF-ET. Setting: Andrology Laboratory, Royal Maternity Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Patient(s): One hundred fifty couples undergoing IVF-ET treatment at the Regional Fertility Centre. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): The ability of human sperm to achieve IVF and pregnancy was investigated in relation to motility parameters (assessed with computer-aided sperm analysis [Integrated Visual Optical System] and percent normal morphology (determined with the strict criteria). Result(s): Significant differences were observed in motility parameters and percent normal morphology in samples that achieved greater than or equal to 50% fertilization compared with less than or equal to 50% fertilization and between samples that achieved a pregnancy compared with those that did not. Significant positive correlations were observed between percent progressive motility, the velocity of sperm movement, and morphology parameters and both IVF and pregnancy. Conclusion(s): Both sperm motility parameters and percent normal morphology are significant factors in predicting fertilization and pregnancy rates in IVF. (Fertil Steril(R) 1998;70:305-14. (C)1998 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.).