A step closer to parenthood with non‐obstructive azoospermia: Unveiling the impact of microdissection testicular sperm extraction in Australia's largest single‐centre study

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundNon‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) diagnosis poses challenges for couples seeking parenthood. Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (MD‐TESE) excels in retrieving testicular sperm cells for NOA cases. However, limited live birth data in Australian NOA patients hinders accurate counselling.AimsThis study aimed to determine the likelihood of infertile couples with a male partner diagnosed with NOA conceiving biological children using MD‐TESE / intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).Materials and methodsA retrospective cohort study included 108 NOA men treated at a public fertility unit and a private fertility centre (May 2009–May 2022). Primary outcome: live birth rate (LBR); secondary outcomes: sperm retrieval rate, pregnancy rate, and neonatal outcomes.ResultsAmong 108 patients undergoing MD‐TESE, the positive sperm retrieval rate (PSRR) was 64.8% (70/108). Histology best predicted sperm retrieval success, with hypo‐spermatogenesis yielding a 94.1% PSRR. Age, testicular volume, and hormonal parameters had no significant impact. Mean male age: 35.4 years; mean partner age: 32.7 years. Fertilisation rate: 50.7%. LBR per initiated cycle: 58.7% (37/63); per embryo transfer: 63.8% (37/58); per initially diagnosed NOA man: 34.3% (37/108). Cumulative LBR: 74.1% (43/58); twin rate: 10.8% (4/37). No neonatal deaths or defects were observed among 47 live offspring.ConclusionThis study provides valuable data for counselling NOA couples on the probability of conceiving biological offspring. MD‐TESE and ICSI yielded favourable PSRR (64.8%) and LBR (63.8%). However, couples should be aware that once NOA is confirmed, the chance of taking home a baby is 34%.