Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) vs. Microfluidic Sperm Separation (MSS)

Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) vs. Microfluidic Sperm Separation (MSS) in Couples With High Sperm DNA Fragmentation Undergoing ICSI: Which Approach is Better

Normal embryonic development relies on the correct transmission of genetic information, and sperm DNA plays a crucial part in this process. Causes of poor sperm DNA integrity include unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking and exposure to gonadotoxins, as well as, obesity, varicoceles, infections, advanced paternal age and systemic disorders. An increase in DNA fragmentation in sperm has been linked to lower fertilisation rate, poorer quality embryos, lower pregnancy rate, and high miscarriages rate.

The best way for sperm selection and processing in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) should be noninvasive and cost-effective. It should also make it possible to identify high-quality spermatozoa and produce more favorable results in terms of pregnancy and live birth rates.7 Meanwhile, the microfluidic sperm separation technology is a less expensive and less invasive alternative. This method allows for the selection of motile sperm that have a normal morphology, low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and low DFI

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men with high DNA fragmentation (>20%) undergoing TESA-ICSI or Zymot-ICSI

Exclusion Criteria:

• Spouse with advanced maternal age (> 40 years)
• Egg donation cycle