A comparison of the morphology of testicular, epididymal, and ejaculated sperm from fertile men and men with obstructive azoospermia.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the morphology of testicular, epididymal, and ejaculated sperm.

DESIGN

Morphology of the three types of sperm was assessed by using Tygerberg strict criteria.

SETTING

The Regional Fertility Center, Royal Maternity Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

PATIENT(S): Thirty-two men with obstructive azoospermia and 10 fertile men.

INTERVENTION(S): Trucut needle testicular biopsy and percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration under local anesthetic.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Percentages of normal sperm and sperm with head, midpiece, and tail defects for testicular, epididymal, and ejaculated sperm. Testicular sperm morphology in men with obstructive azoospermia was compared with that of fertile men.

RESULT(S): The percentage of normal testicular sperm (4.3%) differed significantly from the percentages of normal epididymal (10. 8%) and ejaculated sperm (9.6%). Testicular sperm morphology in men with obstructive azoospermia did not differ from that in fertile men.

CONCLUSION(S): Tygerberg strict criteria are not suitable for the assessment of testicular sperm morphology.