Severe Asthenoteratozoospermia and Previous IVF Failure Overcome Through Advanced Sperm Selection

After 15 years of primary infertility and a failed IVF cycle at another centre, this couple came to Birla Fertility & IVF seeking another chance at parenthood. Investigations revealed severe male factor infertility, with virtually no progressively motile sperm, making fertilisation extremely challenging. Using advanced laboratory techniques to identify viable sperm for ICSI, the couple achieved a successful pregnancy and welcomed a healthy baby.

- Birla Fertility & IVF, Kolar, (Dr. Naga Jyothi S)

Case Snapshot

Patient AgeFemale: 33 years | Male: Early 30s

ChallengesPrimary infertility for 15 years, previous failed IVF cycle, left-sided tubal blockage, endometrial polyp, severe asthenoteratozoospermia with absent progressive sperm motility

TreatmentHysteroscopy with polypectomy, IVF with ICSI, theophylline-assisted sperm selection, frozen embryo transfer (FET)

OutcomeSuccessful fertilisation, positive β-hCG, clinical pregnancy, healthy singleton live birth in March 2025

TimelineFifteen years of infertility followed by personalised IVF treatment using advanced sperm selection techniques.

Journey Timeline

1. Complex Challenges

2. Personalised Plans

3. Safe Retireval & Transfer

4. Guided Transfer

5. Successful Pregnancy

The Barriers They Faced

Long-standing Primary Infertility

The couple had been trying to conceive for 15 years without success.

Previous IVF Failure

Despite undergoing an IVF cycle at another fertility centre, pregnancy could not be achieved.

Tubal and Uterine Factors

The female partner had a left-sided tubal blockage and underwent hysteroscopy with polypectomy before fertility treatment.

Severe Male Factor Infertility

Semen analysis revealed severe asthenoteratozoospermia, with: 0% rapid progressive motility 0% slow progressive motility Only 5% non-progressive motility Predominantly immotile sperm

Challenge in Sperm Selection

The absence of progressive sperm movement made identifying viable sperm for ICSI particularly difficult.

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. Naga Jyothi S

The Treatment Plan that made the Difference

Personalised IVF Planning

Following comprehensive evaluation, the couple underwent a personalised IVF cycle designed to overcome severe sperm motility issues.

Retrieval of Mature Oocytes

Six mature (MII) oocytes were successfully retrieved and prepared for fertilisation.

Theophylline-Assisted Sperm Selection

During ICSI, theophylline was used to temporarily stimulate sperm movement, enabling embryologists to identify viable live sperm despite extremely poor motility.

ICSI and Embryo Development

Carefully selected viable sperm were injected into the mature oocytes, resulting in successful fertilisation and the development of three embryos, including two Grade A embryos and one Grade B embryo on Day 3.

Personalised Frozen Embryo Transfer

A frozen embryo transfer (FET) was performed using the Day 3 embryos after appropriate endometrial preparation.

A Story of Hope Through Advanced Andrology

This case highlights how severe asthenoteratozoospermia, even with virtually absent progressive sperm motility, does not necessarily prevent biological parenthood. By combining theophylline-assisted sperm selection, expert embryology, and personalised IVF planning, the clinical team successfully identified viable sperm for fertilisation and achieved a healthy live birth after years of infertility and a previous failed IVF cycle. It reinforces the importance of advanced laboratory techniques, individualised treatment strategies, and multidisciplinary fertility care in helping couples overcome even the most challenging forms of male factor infertility.

The Outcome

The personalised treatment approach resulted in:

Positive β-hCG following frozen embryo transfer Clinical twin pregnancy One twin (Twin B) experienced fetal demise at 10 weeks Continued healthy progression of the remaining pregnancy Healthy singleton live birth in March 2025