Supersensitive fluorescent semen analysis: validation on azoospermic and oligozoospermic samples

The reliable differentiation of extreme oligospermia from azoospermia has profound implications in fertility management. This paper provides the first data comparing sperm detection rates using SSSA or conventional WHO-based approaches in extreme oligozoospermic and azoospermic men in an IVF setting. Results indicate that approximately one in four men classified as azoospermic by conventional semen analysis may actually have sperm present. The improved sensitivity of the SSSA technique may be of significant benefit to patients, particularly in fertility and assisted reproductive technique decision making.