Purpose: Sperm DNA damage is common amongst infertile men and may adversely impact natural reproduction, IUI-assisted reproduction and to a lesser degree IVF pregnancy. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of sperm DNA damage on embryo quality and/or development at IVF and ICSI.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies that evaluated sperm DNA damage and embryo development and/or quality after IVF and/or ICSI.
Results: We identified 28 studies (8 IVF, 12 ICSI and 8 mixed IVF-ICSI studies) that evaluated the relationship between sperm DNA damage and embryo quality. These 28 studies evaluated 3226 treatment cycles (1033 IVF and 873 ICSI, 1320 mixed IVF-ICSI cycles) and demonstrated highly variable characteristics. In 11 of the 28 studies (1/8 IVF, 5/12 ICSI and 5/8 mixed IVF-ICSI studies), sperm DNA damage was associated with poor embryo quality and/or development, whereas the remaining 17 studies showed no relationship between sperm DNA damage and embryo quality and/or development.
Conclusions: This systematic review indicates that the evaluable studies are heterogeneous and that overall, there is no consistent relationship between sperm DNA damage and embryo quality and/or development. The data also suggest that the influence of sperm DNA damage on embryo quality/development may be more significant in ICSI compared to IVF cycles.