Successful Pregnancy Using Cryopreserved Oocytes and Pentoxifylline-Assisted ICSI

After 7 years of primary infertility, the couple came to us with severe male factor infertility and female pelvic pathology complicating their fertility journey. On the day of oocyte retrieval, the absence of viable motile sperm created a high risk of cycle cancellation despite a good ovarian response. With emergency oocyte cryopreservation, pentoxifylline-assisted sperm selection, and advanced embryology support, the couple successfully achieved an ongoing pregnancy.

- Birla Fertility & IVF, Mangalore, (Dr. Gaurav Gujarathi)

Case Snapshot

Patient AgeFemale: 30 years | Male: 30 years

ChallengesSevere male factor infertility, pelvic adhesions, ovarian cysts, risk of failed fertilization due to absence of viable sperm

TreatmentIVF-ICSI, emergency oocyte cryopreservation, pentoxifylline-assisted sperm selection, blastocyst transfer

OutcomeSuccessful ongoing singleton pregnancy

TimelineSeveral months including surgery, IVF cycle, oocyte freezing, and embryo transfer

Journey Timeline

1. Complex Challenges

2. Personalised Plans

3. Safe Retireval & Transfer

4. Guided Transfer

5. Successful Pregnancy

The Barriers They Faced

Severe Male Factor Infertility

The male partner was diagnosed with severe OATS affecting sperm quality and motility.

Pelvic Pathology

Ovarian cysts and pelvic adhesions complicated reproductive outcomes.

No Viable Sperm on OPU Day

Both fresh and frozen semen samples showed absence of viable motile sperm on the day of oocyte retrieval.

Risk of Cycle Cancellation

Despite good ovarian response, fertilization was at risk due to sperm unavailability.

Need for Immediate Decision-Making

Doctor's Quote

“The key was to tailor every aspect of care to this patient's unique needs, balancing safety, comfort, and clinical effectiveness.”

— Dr. Gaurav Gujarathi

The Treatment Plan that made the Difference

Pre-IVF Surgical Management

Before IVF treatment, the patient underwent: Cystectomy Adhesiolysis Hysteroscopy Bilateral ovarian drilling

Controlled Ovarian Stimulation & Oocyte Retrieval

Controlled ovarian stimulation using the antagonist protocol resulted in a good follicular response. A total of 18 oocytes were retrieved, including 13 mature (MII) oocytes.

Emergency Oocyte Cryopreservation

Due to absence of viable sperm on OPU day, emergency freezing of oocytes was performed to prevent complete cycle loss.

Pentoxifylline-Assisted ICSI

ICSI was later performed using 10 frozen-thawed mature oocytes. Pentoxifylline-assisted sperm activation and selection techniques helped identify usable sperm for fertilization.

Blastocyst Formation & Transfer

One high-quality Day 5 blastocyst (4AA) was formed. The blastocyst was successfully transferred during the embryo transfer cycle.

A Story of Advanced Embryology in Severe Male Factor Infertility

This case highlights the importance of flexible IVF planning and rapid embryology-based decision-making in complex ART cases. It also demonstrates how emergency oocyte cryopreservation and pentoxifylline-assisted sperm activation can help salvage cycles that would otherwise face cancellation due to absence of viable sperm. With advanced laboratory expertise and individualized treatment strategies, even prolonged infertility cases with severe male factor infertility can achieve successful pregnancy outcomes.

The Outcome

Serum β-hCG levels of 275.30 mIU/mL confirmed pregnancy.

Ultrasound showed a single intrauterine gestational sac. The pregnancy is currently ongoing at 6 months with stable maternal and fetal progress.