Abstract: Objectives: To investigate the influence of morphological parameters of sperm on fertility rate of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and discuss the clinical significance of sperm morphological parameters. Methods: Data form 824 couples underwent IVF-ET in our IVF center during April, 2016 to September, 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were female infertility due to female tubal factors and the method of controlled ovulation induction was short-term long protocol. Number of retrieved oocyte was 6 to 15. Failure of oocyte retrieval, rescue ICSI and short co-incubation of gametes were excluded. Male inclusion criteria were total number of progressive motile sperm more than 5 million in two CASA tests, and patients with genetic and infectious factors were excluded. Altogether 136 couples were enrolled. Sperm morphology test was performed according to WHO 5^th edition manual and acrosome index was calculated by image software. Logistic regression analysis was performed for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of enrolled male patients was (34.12±4.30) years (ranging from 27-46 years) and female patients was( 32.32±4.14 ) years (ranging from 25-43 years). Their mean infertility time was(2.77±1.34) years (ranging from 1-8 years). The rate of sperm head abnormality was in significant negative correlation with fertility rate(P=0.035), and acrosome index had a significant positive correlation with fertility rate (P=0.046), whereas other CASA and morphological parameters had no correlation with fertility rate. Conclusions: The rate of sperm head abnormality and acrosome index may adversely affect the fertility rate of IVF. Therefore, the morphological tests should not only focus on normal morphology rate, but also should pay attention to the classification of various sperm anomalies for obtaining a better prediction of IVF outcome.

Key words: In vitro fertilization, Sperm morphological parameters, Diagnosis