Advanced treatments to overcome severe male factor infertility

Here is the heart-warming story of a couple, who had lost all hope of parenthood – now they are proud parents! A 29-year-old woman and her 34-year-old husband were unable to become parents for 5 years. Investigations showed a problem with the husband’s semen analysis. He had a severe low sperm count. They had already undergone three IVF-ICSI cycles and failed, as the embryos of bad quality resulted in poor fertilization.The distressed couple was given the option of a sperm donor. However, they declined a donor sperm as he wanted his own genes. They heard about the advanced sperm preparation method MACS and artificial oocyte activation which could improve fertilization and approached Ferty9 Center with the hope of becoming genetic parents.
The couple was referred to Ferty9 Fertility Center for treatment because it had all the necessary advanced facilities. The couple was under immense stress, because of IVF-ICSI and implantation failure despite having a normal, healthy reproductive life. In their last cycle, they had opted for ICSI cycle because of severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia [OAT]. OAT is a condition where the sperm count, motility and morphology is less as per the WHO semen analysis criteria.
The fertility work up for the female partner showed normal fertility hormone levels and ovarian reserve. The ultrasound scan findings were normal. The previous IVF-ICSI cycle included Controlled Ovarian Stimulation and had twelve eggs, which resulted in only three grade two embryos on day 3.
The poor fertilization in their previous cycle of ICSI could possibly have resulted from a deficiency in sperm to activate the oocyte. The team at Ferty9 Fertility Center advised the couple to undergo artificial activation of the egg after an ICSI procedure. Upon their agreement and informed consent, the process was initiated. Again, considering the male partner’s lifestyle and professional history, sperm DNA fragmentation was advised and it was found to be slightly higher than the normal value. He was prescribed medicines to improve his sperm parameters.
The male partner was counselled for an advanced sperm preparation method MACS – Magnetic Activated Sperm Sorting. MACS is an advanced sperm selection method that helps to get normal functional spermatozoa.
Over the course of the couple’s IVF journey, the team at Ferty9 Fertility Center retrieved thirteen oocytes. Ten mature oocytes were injected with MACS treated sperm and after the ICSI procedure, an artificial oocyte activation procedure was done. The team used ready to use calcium ionophore solution to activate the oocyte. On the fifth day, they had five blastocysts three of grade 1 and two of grade 2.
For better endometrium and embryo synchrony, frozen-thawed embryo transfer was performed after a gap of two months. Two blastocysts were transferred and the woman conceived in her first attempt. After the completion of her gestational period, she delivered a healthy baby.
Ferty9 Fertility Center takes great pride and satisfaction in having ensured the joy of parenthood for a few couples who have had a history of two or three previous IVF failures at other clinics. These couples were treated either with advanced sperm collection or selection methods. Few of them also underwent assisted reproduction with artificial oocyte activation.
The reproduction of mankind is a great marvel and mystery. For any couple, becoming parents is one of the greatest joys they’ll ever experience. The journey of a seed to develop into an embryo and implant in the womb, is unique and truly amazing.
Unfortunately, one is six couples face difficulty in conceiving during their reproductive years. However, they can become parents through assisted reproductive technology. Embryologists can help create an embryo by mixing the male and female gametes in the laboratory. If implanted, it can grow into an infant and with time an adult- a metamorphosis from a caterpillar to butterfly.
The path to parenthood and the path of a seed developing into an embryo is zigzag; an emotional roller coaster ride for the couple and behind the curtain for the doctor are the embryologist too. Here, the IVF laboratory plays an important role. The primary function of an ART laboratory is to provide an optimal environment for gametes and embryos. To set up an ART laboratory, the five key areas to focus on are the location of the IVF laboratory, equipment in the laboratory, the expertise of an embryologist, protocols and quality control.
There are different causes for infertility; it may be due to male or female factor or because of combined factors. Some female factors include infrequent menstrual periods, advanced age, pelvic infections and known uterine fibroids or endometrial polyps. The male factors causing infertility include sperm abnormalities and few medical conditions which affects the sperm production and quality.
IVF or In Vitro Fertilization is a technique where embryos are created in a laboratory dish. These embryos are transferred into the woman’s womb either on the third day or the fifth day of fertilization. A five-day old embryo is known as a blastocyst.
Since the emergence of in vitro fertilization, it has been recognized that almost half the couples facing infertility, failed to achieve desirable fertilization because of a male gamete dysfunction. The adoption of assisted fertilization techniques particularly ICSI [Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection], has been able to alleviate male factor infertility by granting the consistent ability of a viable spermatozoon to activate an oocyte. Single sperm injection, by pinpointing the beginning of fertilization, has been a valuable tool in clarifying the different aspects of early fertilization and syngamy. However, even with ICSI, some couples fail to fertilize due to ooplasmic dysmaturity in relation to the achieved nuclear maturation. More uncommon are cases where the spermatozoa partially or completely lack the specific oocyte activating factor. In such difficult cases, advance IVF lab is the only help. Ferty9 Fertility Center takes great pride and satisfaction in having ensured a state of the art IVF – ICSI advance lab.
Every couple has the primary right to become genetic parents.
This is made possible with world-class infrastructure, the latest instruments and expertise in treating infertility. The team at Ferty9 Fertility Center is committed to their work of helping couples realize their dreams of parenthood.
For more details, contact:

Dr C Jyothi Budi
M.B.B.S, M.S in Reproductive Medicine (UK),
D.GO.MRCOG1 (London), DIP-ART (Germany),
Clinical Director, ADV-ART Specialist (Dubai)
CO founder - Director, Ferty9 Fertility Center
Website: https://www.ferty9.com/
Mail Id: info@ferty9.com
Call: +91 939 291 4099

Disclaimer: The views/suggestions/opinions expressed in the article are the sole responsibility of the experts and the hospital concerned.