Researchers in the United States and Mexico recently completed a study on the impact of male diseases that cause various sperm-related issues that affect fertility. The study was published in the journal Current Opinions in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Specific conditions investigated include Klinefelter’s syndrome, stump-tail sperm, round-head sperm, Kartagener’s syndrome and dysplasia of the fibrous sheath. Sperm for the study was collected via ejaculate and testicular harvesting.
Researchers found variations in sperm health based on the source of sperm in different conditions. Healthier sperm is found in ejaculate from patients with Klinefelter’s syndrome, but testicular harvesting was best in patients with Kartagener’s syndrome.
Despite the variances in sperm health, pregnancy and birth rates were the same across both groups. Round-head sperm samples produced lower pregnancy and birth rates and patients with stump-tail and dysplasia were least likely to achieve fertilization, pregnancy or live birth.
Source: Dávila Garza SA, Patrizio P. Reproductive outcomes in patients with male infertility because of Klinefelter's syndrome, Kartagener's syndrome, round-head sperm, dysplasia fibrous sheath, and 'stump' tail sperm: an updated literature review. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Apr 15.
