The Influence of Abstinence Interval on Semen Quality and Its Effect on an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Pregnancy: A Case Report

TL;DR

A case report shows that adjusting the abstinence period improved sperm quality and led to a successful pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology.

Contribution

Highlights the impact of abstinence intervals on sperm DNA fragmentation and ART success in a personalized treatment approach.

Findings

High DNA fragmentation was observed on days 4 and 3 of abstinence, leading to failed ICSI cycles.

Low DNA fragmentation on day 2 of abstinence resulted in successful embryo formation and pregnancy.

A personalized approach to abstinence intervals may enhance ART outcomes in male factor infertility.

Abstract

This case report focuses on a couple facing primary infertility, where the male partner exhibited asthenoteratozoospermia and high DNA fragmentation. The treatment approach involved three cycles of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), an assisted reproductive technology (ART), to indicate and address the specific challenges posed by male factor infertility. The initial two attempts failed as DNA fragmentation was high, which was observed on days 4 and 3 of abstinence, respectively. In the third cycle, DNA fragmentation was low on day 2 of the abstinence period, resulting in the successful formation and cryopreservation of embryos. Subsequently, three months later, frozen embryo transfer (ET) was done. This was followed by a positive β-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test after 14 days that confirmed biochemical pregnancy, and successful conception was determined by ultrasound detection of the visible sac with fetal pole.

This report underscores the critical importance of treatment plans for individual patients, especially considering the impact of abstinence periods on sperm DNA fragmentation. The findings promote a personalized approach to assisted reproductive techniques, enhancing the success rate. It is recommended that further comprehensive studies be conducted to validate and anticipate these observations.

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