Electroejaculation and assisted fertility in men with psychogenic anejaculation

Male Sexual Dysfunctions in the Infertile Couple-Recommendations From the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM)

INTRODUCTION

Sexual dysfunctions (SDs) have been frequently reported among male partners of infertile couples due to psychogenic, relational and/or organic issues related with the inability to conceive. Likewise, male infertility (MI) could be a consequence of sexual dysfunctions.

AIM

To review the evidence on the prevalence and treatment of male SDs in men of infertile couples and provide clinical recommendations on behalf of the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM).

METHODS

The MEDLINE database was searched in September 2019 for randomized clinical trials (RCTs), meta-analyses and open-label prospective or retrospective studies investigating the presence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and/or ejaculatory dysfunctions (EjDs) and/or low sexual desire (LSD) in conjunction with infertility.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The panel provided statements on: (i) Prevalence and association between SDs and MI; (ii) Treatment of male SDs in men of infertile couples.

RESULTS

ED has been reported in 9% to 62% of male partners of infertile couples, with severe impairment observed in only 1% to 3% of ED cases. Moreover, worse semen parameters have been associated with greater ED severity. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) can be safely used to treat ED among patients seeking fatherhood. Male partners of infertile couples are at higher risk of premature ejaculation (PE). Retrograde ejaculation (RE) and anejaculation are a cause of MI and can be managed with electroejaculation (EEJ) or penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) or, alternatively, with oral treatments, however the latter with limited documented success. Low sexual desire has been reported by one third of men of infertile couples.

CONCLUSION

ED could significantly affect male partners of infertile couple; PDE5is should be suggested to ensure an effective and satisfactory sexual relationship of the couple. Anejaculation and RE should be considered as a possible cause of MI and treated accordingly. Low sexual desire is frequently reported among men of infertile couple and could be a symptom of other systemic conditions or psychological distress. Capogrosso P, Jensen CFS, Rastrelli G, et al. Male Sexual Dysfunctions in the Infertile Couple-Recommendations From the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM). J Sex Med 2021;9:100377.

Thoughts on the popularity of ICSI

Purpose

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the most widely utilized assisted reproductive technique (ART) worldwide. In this feature, we review the early assisted fertilization attempts that eventually led to the development of ICSI, and discuss its current utilization in cases of male and non-male factor infertility.

Methods

We researched the literature related to the development, indications, and current use of ICSI, such as sperm structural abnormalities, male genetic indications, surgically retrieved sperm, high sperm chromatin fragmentation, oocyte dysmorphism, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). We also describe the potential future applications of ICSI.

Results

This review summarizes the early micromanipulation techniques that led to the inception of ICSI. We also explore its current indications, including non-male factor infertility, where its use is more controversial. Finally, we consider the benefits of future advancements in reproductive biology that may incorporate ICSI, such as in vitro spermatogenesis, neogametogenesis, and heritable genome editing.

Conclusion

The versatility, consistency, and reliability of ICSI have made it the most prevalently utilized ART procedure worldwide.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes in patients with orgasmic dysfunction and anejaculation by percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA)

Background

Orgasmic dysfunction and anejaculation are two uncommon yet powerful factors of male infertility. The treatment of orgasmic dysfunction and anejaculation is especially important for men who desire paternity, who otherwise would have to undergo surgical sperm retrieval for use with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). We evaluated the reproductive outcomes of percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) for ICSI in a cohort of infertile patients who had presented with orgasmic dysfunction and anejaculation in the past five years.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 41 patients with orgasmic dysfunction and 55 patients with anejaculation who underwent surgical sperm retrieval for ICSI. The sperm was firstly aspirated from the cauda epididymis, and then from the caput of the epididymis. If aspiration attempts failed at both locations, testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) was performed. The ICSI outcomes following these collection methods were compared with those of patients with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). The ICSI outcomes of PESA (fertilization rate, high-quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rate) were recorded.

Results

Of all 96 participants, PESA was successfully performed in 91 patients (94.8%), and TESA was necessary for only 5 patients (5.2%). Of the 91 patients who received PESA, 90 succeeded in retrieving sperm from the cauda epididymis, and just 1 from the caput. Among the patients with anejaculation, there were 28 cases (28/55, 50.9%) of diabetes mellitus (DM). In 56 fresh transfer cycles, the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate were 57.1% and 51.8%, respectively, both similar to those of CBAVD (53.47% vs. 63.4%, P=0.483, 47.2% vs. 53.5%, P=0.393, respectively). The fertilization rate, transferable embryo rate, high-quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy, early pregnancy loss, and the live birth rate did not show differences resulting from using fresh or frozen sperm in the two groups. The fertilization rate and high-quality embryo rate in patients with DM were lower than those of patients without DM (75.0% vs. 86.7%, P=0.002; 50.4% vs. 77.4%, P=0.028, respectively).

Conclusions

Like TESA, PESA is an appropriate and convenient way to obtain sperm for ICSI for patients with orgasmic dysfunction and anejaculation. Performing ICSI with sperm from the cauda epididymis can achieve favorable clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in patients with orgasmic dysfunction and anejaculation.

Successfully treatment of intercourse anejaculation with psychosexual counseling: A very rare case of situational anejaculation specific to penetrative sex with the wife

Situational anejaculation means that a man can ejaculate in some situations but not in others. Intercourse type of anejaculation means existence of ejaculation by masturbation, but not during sexual intercourse. In some cases, men may be able to ejaculate and attain orgasm with one partner but not with another. Performance anxiety, hostility toward the partner, dysfunctional psychosexual development, and unconscious desire to avoid pregnancy are the possible underlying conditions. We herein reported a case of wife-specific intercourse anejaculation succesfully treated with sexual therapy. According to our best knowledge, this is an important case study in literature about intercourse type of situational anejaculation specific to the patient's wife that was treated with psychosexual counseling. The authors conclude that this clinical course of situational intercourse anejaculation suggests a psychological problem in these patients and sexual therapy is effective.

Electroejaculation combined with assisted reproductive technology in psychogenic anejaculation patients refractory to penile vibratory stimulation

Background

Psychogenic anejaculation (PAE) is a rare disease in clinic seriously affecting quality of life, especially fertility of patients. However, there is not an effective treatment for these patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of treatment with electroejaculation (EEJ), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in patients with PAE who were refractory to penile vibratory stimulation (PVS).

Methods

Twenty PVS-refractory patients with PAE were included in the retrospective study. Semen was retrieved through EEJ procedures. According to the semen quality and patient preference, IUI or ICSI was selected.

Results

A total of 23 procedures of EEJ were performed in 20 patients. Sperm was successfully retrieved in all of the cases. Yielded semen was used in a total of 16 ICSI procedures in 6 couples. The fertilization rate was 54.0%. The ICSI cycles resulted in three pregnancies; of these one resulted in a live birth. Fourteen couples were treated with 26 IUI cycles, which resulted in live births in five pregnancies.

Conclusions

EEJ offers an encouraging pregnancy opportunity for men with PAE who were refractory to PVS. The combined use of EEJ and assisted reproductive techniques is excellent management for PAE infertility. In our study, EEJ resulted in pregnancies and the birth of six healthy children.

Electroejaculation in psychogenic anejaculation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of treatment with electroejaculation (EEJ), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) in patients with psychogenic anejaculation (PAE).

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

SETTING

Academic tertiary referral fertility center.

PATIENT(S)

Eleven male patients diagnosed with psychogenic anejaculation (PAE) were included. Median age at the time of first treatment with EEJ was 33.0 (interquartile range, 29.0-36.0) years.

INTERVENTION(S)

Electroejaculation, IUI, and IVF/ICSI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Semen analysis, fertilization rate, implantation rate, pregnancy rate, and delivery rate.

RESULT(S)

A total of 60 EEJs were performed in 11 patients. Mean VCM (volume [mL] × concentration [sperm cells/mL] × percentage progressive motile cells) of the retrieved sperm of all EEJs was 17.5 × 10(6) (SD 16.5 × 10(6)). Yielded semen was used in a total of 26 ICSI procedures in seven couples. The fertilization rate was 65.6% (80 of 122). The ICSI cycles resulted in five pregnancies; of these, one resulted in a spontaneous abortion in the first trimester. Three couples were treated with 34 IUI cycles, which resulted in live births in four pregnancies.

CONCLUSION(S)

Electroejaculation is a suitable and effective treatment that can be used in men with psychogenic anejaculation. The retrieved semen can be used successfully in assisted reproductive technology treatment. In this study EEJ resulted in pregnancies and the birth of eight healthy children.

Sperm preservation by electroejaculation in adolescent cancer patients

BACKGROUND

The increasing prevalence of cancer survivors who are infertile due to gonadal failure highlights the importance of fertility preservation prior to gonadotoxic treatments. Adolescent cancer patients may not be mature enough to produce sperm by masturbation, leading to the use of alternative methods for obtaining sperm for cryopreservation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of electroejaculation (EEJ) for cryopreservation among adolescent cancer patients.

PROCEDURE

This retrospective cohort study included 45 adolescent (12-18 years old) cancer patients who underwent EEJ during 2002-2012 in an academic tertiary referral fertility center. Sperm cryopreservation, ejaculate parameters, and procedure complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

EEJ was performed without documented complications. Sperm was successfully obtained in 30 (66.7%) patients. Retrieval failures included ejaculates without sperm in 8 patients (17.8%) and no ejaculate in 7 patients (15.5%). Cryopreserved ejaculates were characterized by severe asthenospermia, normal sperm concentration, and low volume. Retrieved sperm group was further divided to 19 motile sperm ejaculates with significantly higher volume, sperm concentration, and total count compared to 10 non-motile sperm patients.

CONCLUSIONS

EEJ is a safe and feasible procedure for cryopreservation in adolescent cancer patients who are unable to masturbate. The wide diversity of EEJ outcome and ejaculate parameters may represent a continuum of pubertal changes in that population.

Electroejaculation combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection in patients with psychogenic anejaculation yields comparable results to patients with spinal cord injuries

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate sperm quality and fertility potential of men with psychogenic anejaculation treated by electroejaculation (EEJ) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Treatment results were compared to spinal cord injured (SCI) patients treated similarly.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

SETTING

Academic tertiary referral fertility center.

PATIENT(S)

Couples with isolated psychogenic anejaculation or SCI.

INTERVENTION(S)

Electroejaculation and ICSI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Semen analysis, fertilization rate, implantation rate, pregnancy rate, delivery rate and safety of the procedure.

RESULT(S)

Fifteen patients diagnosed with psychogenic anejaculation underwent 40 EEJ/ICSI cycles. The semen retrieved was characterized by low motility (mean 10.7% ± 12.3%), normal volume (2.2 ± 1.9 mL) and normal count (25.1 ± 29.9 × 10(6)/mL), according to World Health Organization criteria. Results of EEJ/ICSI were compared with 22 SCI patients treated by 66 EEJ/ICSI cycles during the same period. Mean female age and the number of oocytes retrieved per cycle were similar between the groups. Similar semen parameters after EEJ were found between psychogenic and SCI patients. Fertilization rate was significantly lower in the psychogenic patients compared to SCI (47.0% and 57.0%, respectively). No significant differences were found regarding pregnancy rates (20% and 22.7%, respectively), implantation rate (10.2% and 11.6%, respectively) or delivery rates (15% and 18.2%, respectively).

CONCLUSION(S)

Sperm retrieved by EEJ is characterized by asthenospermia and normal count. In spite of the lower fertilization rate in psychogenic patients, combination of EEJ and ICSI gives adequate results to couples with psychogenic anejaculation similar to the results obtained for SCI patients. Current results give these couples a reasonable chance of pregnancy achievement.

The utility of sildenafil citrate for infertile men with sexual dysfunction: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the use the sildenafil citrate, recognized as a first-line therapy for men with erectile dysfunction (ED), and which is safe and effective in men with various causes and severity of ED, including psychogenic ED, in a population of infertile men with sexual dysfunction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Infertility is a major source of life stress and might be associated with sexual dysfunction through the erosion of self-esteem and self-confidence, and in stimulating discord in a relationship. Men presenting for evaluation of fertility who on questioning by the physician reported the recent onset of sexual dysfunction, had a history taken, a physical examination, hormonal profile, and completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), a validated inventory for assessing sexual dysfunction. Thirty men with a score of <26 on the erectile function domain of the IIEF, or who complained of new onset rapid or delayed ejaculation, were treated with sildenafil with no randomization or placebo control. The evaluation was repeated and the IIEF completed again > or =3 months after starting treatment.

RESULTS

For men complaining of ED, subjective erectile rigidity, duration of erection, and the percentage of successful penetration attempts significantly improved with sildenafil. The mean (sd) IIEF domain scores for erection and satisfaction, at 18 (4) vs 27 (3), and 12 (2) vs 16 (3) (both P = 0.01), and orgasm, at 4 (1) vs 6 (3) (P = 0.001), respectively, significantly improved after treatment. In patients with ejaculatory dysfunction, the function improved in 64% after sildenafil therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified the nature of sexual dysfunction associated with male-factor infertility, and showed the efficacy of sildenafil therapy in men with this condition.

Comparison between the first and the second electroejaculate qualities obtained from neurologically intact men suffering from anejaculation

BACKGROUND

Electroejaculation is an artificial method used to procure semen from neurologically intact men suffering from anejaculation that have failed other treatments. In order to establish the consistency of semen parameters in repeated electroejaculations, we compared retrospectively the quality of the first and the second electroejaculates of anejaculatory men who were not suffering from any known neurological problems.

METHODS

Between 1995 and 2004, 59 neurologically intact men suffering from anejaculation underwent multiple electroejaculations. Sperm quality of the first and the second ejaculates was compared.

RESULTS

A significant difference of 0.33 +/- 0.16 ml in the volume of the antegrade portion was found (P = 0.023). The results showed no significant difference in the concentration, motility, count and total motile count of the antegrade ejaculates. In retrograde ejaculates there were no significant differences in the count, motility and total motile count. Neither was there any difference in the total count and the total motile count of both fractions.

CONCLUSIONS

Electroejaculation is a reliable method for semen procurement in men suffering from anejaculation. Since semen parameters are consistent, repeated procedures are not justified for improving the sperm quality in anejaculatory, neurologically intact men.

Analysis of limited fertility in intracytoplasmic sperm injection of sperm obtained by electroejaculation

Background and Aims:  We correlated findings in semen from patients with ejaculatory dysfunction with results of in vitro fertilization using their electroejaculated sperm. Methods and Results:  Electroejaculation was carried out in six patients with the above-mentioned criteria for a total of eight times. Sperm was obtained in six attempts. Intracytoplasmic injection of these sperm was performed in 156 eggs. Sixty-seven eggs were fertilized; most of these were injected with motile sperm. Two women became pregnant, both after injection with motile sperm. As previously reported, electroejaculated sperm showed low motility and a low fertilization rate, but even motile sperm had a low fertilization rate. Conclusion:  The results of the present study suggest the importance in fertilization of undetermined factors in addition to sperm motility. (Reprod Med Biol 2004; 3: 9-12).

Percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration and intrauterine insemination for infertile males with anejaculation

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effectiveness of percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration (PVSA) in combination with intrauterine insemination (IUI) to treat infertile men with anejaculation.

DESIGN

Clinical study.

SETTING

Department of reproductive endocrinology and andrology of a family planning research clinic.

PATIENT(S)

Twenty-six anejaculatory infertile men.

INTERVENTION(S)

Spermatozoa obtained from the vas deferens by percutaneous aspiration were incubated in sperm preparation medium.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Sperm quality by PVSA and pregnancy outcome.

RESULT(S)

Thirty-four PVSA-IUI procedures were performed in 26 men with anejaculation. Nineteen pregnancies were achieved (pregnancy rate, 73.1%). Mean (+/-SD) values for sperm variables were as follows: motility, 78.6% +/- 14.2%; progressive motility, 60.4% +/- 11.2%; density, 37.6 +/- 13.2 x 10(6) cells/mL; total count, 35.2 +/- 13.2 x 10(6) cells; and abnormal sperm, 18.6% +/- 7.6%.

CONCLUSION(S)

Percutaneous vasal sperm aspiration may obtain high-motility sperm, and PVSA plus IUI is an effective treatment for male infertility with anejaculation.

Disorders of ejaculation

The physiology of ejaculation includes emission of sperm with the accessory gland fluid into the urethra, simultaneous closure of the urethral sphincters, and forceful ejaculation of semen through the urethra. Emission and closure of the bladder neck are primarily alpha-adrenergically mediated thoracolumbar sympathetic reflex events with supraspinal modulation. Ejaculation is a sacralspinal reflex mediated by the pudendal nerve. The most common ejaculation disorder is premature ejaculation, but there is little agreement regarding the definition of this disorder or its etiology, diagnosis, and treatment options. Premature ejaculation is in fact classically considered psychogenic in nature. However, recent data have demonstrated that prostatic inflammation/infection has been found with high frequency in premature ejaculation, suggesting a role of prostatic pathologies in the pathogenesis of some cases of failure of ejaculatory control. Rarer disorders are emission and ejaculation failure and urine contamination of semen. The new use of diagnostic procedures and the availability of pharmacological aids place this topic in the mainframe of medical sexology.

Electroejaculation before chemotherapy in adolescents and young men with cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcome of repeated electroejaculation for obtaining semen from adolescents and young men before initiation of anticancer therapies.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

SETTING

Bikur Cholim Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.

PATIENT(S)

Six young male patients (average age, 18+/-3 years) with diagnosed cancer who underwent 12 procedures of electroejaculation before chemotherapy.

INTERVENTION(S)

Transrectal electroejaculation. Semen was cryopreserved in small aliquots.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Semen analysis.

RESULT(S)

In all patients, semen was obtained by electroejaculation. Sperm count and motility were relatively low; mean values were 16 x 10(6) (range, 0--45 x 10(6)) and 14% (range, 0--53%) respectively.

CONCLUSION(S)

If necessary, electroejaculation can be performed in adolescents, and sperm may be obtained by repeated treatments over a short period.

Emergency sperm extraction for transient erectile dysfunction prior to assisted conception

PURPOSE

During assisted conception treatment the male partner is under stress and consequently can fail to produce semen sample prior to egg collection. Failure to produce spermatozoa at a given time could lead to cancellation of the procedure.

METHODS

We report the use of emergency percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) for temporary erectile dysfunction in a couple undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment. In the last 2 years, we saw three men who failed to produce a semen sample on the day of their partners' egg collection procedure.

RESULTS

In the first case the male partner failed to produce semen after egg collection and the cycle was canceled. This clinical scenario was likely to recur and one of the options was to consider PESA. In the second case the male partner was counseled about the availability of PESA but he managed to produce spermatozoa at home. The third patient was unable to produce a semen sample despite being provided audiovisual support and being allowed to go home. Five hours after the egg collection, emergency PESA was performed after appropriate counseling. The procedure yielded motile spermatozoa which were used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection which resulted in successful fertilization, embryo transfer, and pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

This case emphasizes that surgical procedures, such as PESA,TESA, and TESE, are useful alternatives but should be the last option to obtain sperm for ART. Other nonsurgical procedures, such as audiovisual aids, producing sperm at home, and the use of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) must be offered first to men with temporary erectile dysfunction during ART treatment.

Nocturnal sperm emission in men with psychogenic anejaculation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate sperm characteristics and fertilization potential in sperm obtained from nocturnal emission in men with psychogenic anejaculation.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Bikur Cholim Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.

PATIENT(S)

Six men with psychogenic anejaculation.

INTERVENTION(S)

Nocturnal emission, electroejaculation, sperm cryopreservation, and assisted reproduction technologies.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Semen analysis, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), fertilization rates.

RESULT(S)

In four patients, the concentration and motility of sperm obtained from freeze-thawed nocturnal emission were decreased compared with sperm from electroejaculation. Fertilization rates after ICSI using the nocturnal emission sperm were relatively low (45%). One clinical pregnancy was achieved after intrauterine insemination.

CONCLUSION(S)

The quality of sperm from nocturnal emissions is variable, but it can be used in assisted reproduction procedures to avoid aggressive procedures such as electroejaculation or testis biopsy.

Vigorous prostatic massage: a simple method to retrieve spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection in psychogenic anejaculation: case report

A simple, non-invasive method to retrieve spermatozoa from patients with anejaculation is described. Three patients with psychogenic primary anejaculation were referred for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). On the day of oocyte retrieval, vigorous prostatic massage was done. Examination of the expressed prostatic secretion revealed a sufficient number of motile spermatozoa in cases 1 and 3. In case 1, only one poor quality oocyte was obtained and ICSI was unsuccessful. Spermatozoa were cryopreserved for future use. In case 2, no spermatozoa were retrieved by prostatic massage. A testicular biopsy was performed to retrieve spermatozoa for ICSI. Unfortunately no pregnancy resulted. In case 3, retrieved spermatozoa were successfully used for ICSI, and 19 ova were injected. Fertilization occurred in 10 of these; seven were cryopreserved and three embryos were transferred. Ultrasound scan has confirmed a singleton pregnancy, which is ongoing. We conclude that vigorous prostatic massage could be an effective method of sperm retrieval for assisted conception in selected patients with anejaculation.

Viagra for temporary erectile dysfunction during treatments with assisted reproductive technologies

During treatments with assisted reproductive technologies (ART), some men may have difficulties in producing spermatozoa on demand at the time of insemination, either for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or for in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This situation imposes tremendous stress on the couple and may cause cancellation of the treatment. Here we describe, for the first time, the use of sildenafil citrate (ViagraTM) for temporary erectile dysfunction in couples undergoing ART. The first case was a man who could not produce spermatozoa for the first IVF treatment after an exhausting trial for 12 h, despite the fact that he never had problems in providing sperm samples during previous IUI cycles. Using Viagra enabled him to provide spermatozoa, but the delay in oocyte insemination resulted in no embryonic development. This prompted us to be more alert to this option and to suggest the use of Viagra to men who had a history of erectile dysfunction during previous ART cycles. In these cases, the use of Viagra was planned in advance and it successfully solved any unpredictable erectile dysfunction on the day of insemination. Such cases emphasize the need to think in advance of this potential use of Viagra during ART.

Birth after electroejaculation coupled to intracytoplasmic sperm injection in a gun-shot spinal cord-injured man

We describe the case of a man who, after a gun-shot wound, has become paraplegic. As a consequence of his spinal cord injury he developed infertility due to incomplete erection and anejaculation. After several unsuccessful penile vibratory stimulation attempts, it was possible to achieve ejaculation by means of transrectal electrostimulation. However, the total sperm motility count, the percentage of normal sperm morphology, and the vitality and hypo-osmotic swelling test scores were rather low, and in particular viability was strikingly decreased during sperm preparation. These parameters further decreased following electroejaculate, forcing us to use intracytoplasmic sperm injection instead of conventional in vitro fertilization for the treatment cycle. A normal pregnancy was achieved which resulted in birth of a healthy girl on 1st January 1997.

Antisperm antibodies in men with psychogenic anejaculation

Antisperm autoantibodies were determined in 16 men suffering from psychogenic anejaculation who underwent assisted reproduction treatments. Blood and semen samples were collected after transrectal electroejaculation and antisperm antibodies in serum and on the surface of motile spermatozoa were measured using the direct and indirect immunobead binding test. Five men (31%) were found positive for antisperm antibodies. The majority of antibodies were directed against the sperm heads. Surface antibodies were mainly IgA isotype whereas serum antibodies were IgG isotype. These results suggest that psychogenic anejaculation might be associated with increased incidence of antisperm autoimmunity.

Electroejaculation in combination with intracytoplasmic sperm injection in patients with psychogenic anejaculation results in lower fertilization rates

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with sperm obtained by electroejaculation in men with psychogenic anejaculation.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

SETTING

In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Bikur Cholim Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.

PATIENT(S)

Seven men with psychogenic anejaculation who underwent 16 sessions of electroejaculation in combination with ICSI.

INTERVENTION(S)

Electroejaculation, ICSI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Semen analysis, ICSI, fertilization rates.

RESULT(S)

All patients had poor sperm motility. One hundred forty-seven oocytes were injected, with a fertilization rate of 27% (39/142). One ongoing pregnancy was achieved.

CONCLUSION(S)

Sperm obtained by electroejaculation have low motility and reduced fertilization potential. Nevertheless, ICSI should be offered to improve the possibility of successful pregnancy.