Semen Characteristics and Embryo Outcomes in IVF

Abstract

Objective: Infertility is a global health challenge, affecting many couples worldwide. Male infertility contributes to 20–50% of cases. Although semen analysis parameters are widely regarded as key indicators of male fertility, their association with in vitro fertilization (IVF) success remains debated. This study evaluated the relationship between specific semen parameters and grade A embryo formation in IVF among infertile men.
Materials and methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at a referral infertility center from March 2019 to March 2021, involving 104 men diagnosed with male-factor infertility. Semen parameters, including sperm count, motility, morphology, and volume, were analyzed. The primary outcome was the formation of at least one grade A embryo, defined as a successful IVF outcome. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and logistic regression.
Results: The median age differed significantly between the successful and unsuccessful IVF groups
(36 vs. 38 years, p=0.050). No significant differences were observed in semen volume, sperm count, motility, or morphology between groups. Logistic regression revealed that younger age was associated with a higher likelihood of grade A embryo formation (OR=0.935, p=0.012), whereas semen parameters showed no significant association with embryo quality.
Conclusion: This study found no significant association between semen parameters and grade A embryo formation in IVF, suggesting that traditional semen analysis has limited predictive value for embryo quality. Although younger age was associated with a higher likelihood of success, the effect size was small (OR=0.935, p=0.012), and its clinical impact may be limited. These findings highlight the potential for successful embryo development despite suboptimal semen parameters and underscore the need for a broader approach to assessing male fertility beyond standard semen analysis.