High Sperm DNA Damage: Does Testicular Sperm Make Sense?

Sperm DNA damage reduces pregnancy rates in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Because it has been shown that testicular sperm have lower DNA damage than ejaculated sperm, it is an attractive idea to consider using testicular sperm for IVF for men with high sperm DNA damage. In fact, there are multiple centers throughout the world now offering sperm retrieval for IVF to manage this condition. However, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that testicular sperm improves pregnancy/live birth rates. Further studies are required before offering sperm retrieval as a standard of care to manage high sperm DNA damage.