Influence of leukocytospermia on semen parameters and the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Abstract

Background: Leukocytospermia (LCS) is implicated in male infertility since it was found in 30% of the infertile male. However, its influence on semen parameters remains controversial. Aims and objectives: This study aimed to determine the impact of LCS on semen parameters and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) results in infertile couples. Materials and methods: A retrospective clinical study was conducted at Aziza Othmana Hospital of Tunis. Sperm parameters from infertile men were studied for volume, motility, vitality, and morphology according to seminal leukocytes. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection results were also compared to those observed in a control group matched by age, ICSI indication, hormonal profile, and endometrium thickness. Results: No statistical difference was observed for all semen characteristics except the volume which was higher for the non-leukospermic group (p = 0.035). Conclusion: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes were lower in the leukospermic group than the controls but the difference was not statistically significant.