Do Semen Parameters Affect the Success Rates of Fertility Treatments?

If you or someone you know is struggling to conceive children despite best efforts and are planning to start infertility treatment, this clinical trial may provide some important insights. The clinical trial has examined whether semen parameters are associated with live birth among couples seeking infertility treatment. 

Infertility is defined as a disease of the male or female reproductive system characterized by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility affects millions of people worldwide and has an impact on their families and communities. Estimates suggest that approximately one in every six people of reproductive age worldwide experience infertility in their lifetime. In the male reproductive system, infertility is most commonly caused by problems in the ejection of semen which may include the absence or low levels of sperm, or abnormal shape (morphology) and movement (motility) of the sperm. However, the effect of these semen parameters on the overall chances of live birth in couples requires further evidence.

Clinical Trial

This clinical triallooked at the relationship between changes in semen parameters and the chances of live birth. The trial followed 2,369 couples who were seeking fertility treatment at 4 US infertility care centers. Semen volume, pH, sperm viability, morphology, progressive and total motility, concentration, count, and total and progressive motile count were assessed at baseline and at 2, 4, and 6 months after enrollment. Couples were divided into groups according to the treatment they received (in vitro fertilization [IVF], intrauterine insemination [IUI], ovulation induction [OI], or no treatment). The primary outcome was the incidence of live birth in these couples.

Results

The results of the clinical trial showed that among couples using OI only or no treatment, 39% had a live birth, and lower morphology, motility, concentration, and total motile counts were associated with fewer live births. For IUI, 26% had a live birth, and semen volume, concentration, count, and total motile count affected the rates of live birth. For IVF, 61% had a live birth, and only morphology was associated with live birth.

Despite this variability, the clinical study found that differences in semen parameters had a significant impact on the chances of live birth, especially in OI and IUI.

The trial's findings have important implications for fertility treatment. It suggests that semen parameters should be assessed multiple times before making any treatment decisions. It also highlights the semen parameters which are most likely to be associated with live birth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this clinical trial adds to our understanding of the relationship between semen parameters and live birth. It demonstrates that certain initial semen parameters are an important predictor of the success of fertility treatments. It emphasizes that fertility treatment decisions should take into account a range of factors, including semen parameters, and should be made after multiple assessments over time.
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