A protocol of electroejaculation and systematic assisted reproductive technology achieved high efficiency and efficacy for pregnancy for anejaculatory men with spinal cord injury

Jeng Yi Shieh, Shee Uan Chen, Yen Ho Wang, Hong Chiang Chang, Hong Nerng Ho, Yu Shih Yang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To help anejaculatory men with spinal cord injury (SCI) to procreate. Design: Prospective, clinical study. Setting: A team of physiatrists, urologists, and gynecologists at a university hospital in Taiwan. Participants: Ten infertile men with SCI seen at our hospital between 1995 and 2001. Interventions: Electroejaculation induced their seminal emission. Depending on semen parameters, the couples were treated with intrauterine insemination (IUI), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), surgical retrieval of sperm, cryopreservation of sperm, or donor sperm. Main Outcome Measures: Fertilization and pregnancy. Results: Ten couples underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART). One couple achieved pregnancy after the second cycle of electroejaculation and IUI. Seven couples underwent 8 cycles of ICSI, 4 cycles with fresh electroejaculates, 2 with cryopreserved samples, and 2 with cryopreserved samples with addition of pentoxifylline. Seven (88%) clinical pregnancies were achieved, 2 of which ended with spontaneous abortion. One couple accomplished pregnancy by ICSI with cryopreserved sperm from vasal aspiration. The percentages of fertilization and pregnancy of ICSI cycles using sperm from men with SCI were comparable to men without SCI. One couple attained pregnancy by using donor sperm. The cumulative successful pregnancy rate per couple was 80% (8/10). Conclusion: Electroejaculation and systematic ART are highly efficient for achieving pregnancy with the spouses of men with SCI. The neurologic deficit and electroejaculation did not affect the outcome of ICSI. Using cryopreserved sperm for ICSI may reduce risk from electroejaculation or surgery.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)535-540
Number of pages6
JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume84
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 1 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Ejaculation
  • Rehabilitation
  • Reproductive techniques, assisted
  • Spinal cord injuries

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

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