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Semen retrieval and analysis in men with myelomeningocele

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 November 2000

C Hultling
Affiliation:
Spinalis SCI Research Unit, Karolinska Hospital, Sweden.
R Levi
Affiliation:
Spinalis SCI Research Unit, Karolinska Hospital, Sweden.
P Amark
Affiliation:
Neuropediatric Section, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska Hospital, Sweden.
P Sjöblom
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Huddinge University Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden.
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Abstract

The introduction of advanced assisted reproduction technologies (ART) has created opportunities for the treatment of infertility among patients with myelomeningocele (MMC). The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of semen retrieval and to analyse the semen quality in men with MMC. Nine men, aged 22 to 39 with MMC participated in the study. Two participants were able to achieve unassisted ejaculation. Vibratory stimulation was unsuccessfully attempted in the remaining seven participants who then underwent electroejaculation under general anaesthesia. In total, enough spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic spermatozoa injection were retrieved from five participants. In four cases, no spermatozoa were observed in the ejaculates. Testicular biopsies, however, revealed spermatogenesis, and thus a reproductive potential, in one of these men. Therefore, in six of the nine men with MMC, fatherhood seemed possible with modern ART, despite the semen quality generally being very poor.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
© 2000 Mac Keith Press

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