Successful pregnancy with sperm retrieved from the bladder after the introduction of a low-electrolyte solution for retrograde ejaculation.

Abstract Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of the introduction of a low-electrolyte solution into the bladder before masturbation for sperm recovery in patients with retrograde ejaculation. Design: Two case reports. Setting: Assisted reproduction practice at a university hospital. Patient(s): Two men with retrograde ejaculation. Intervention(s): A 0.32-mol/L glucose solution or Ham's modified F-10 medium (GIBCO, Grand Island, NY) with 10% serum was introduced into the urinary bladder before masturbation. The retrieved sperm were used for IUI. Main Outcome Measure(s): The motility of retrieved sperm, achievement of pregnancy, and outcome of pregnancy. Result(s): In patient 1, the motility rate of sperm retrieved from the bladder after the introduction of Ham's modified F-10 medium was higher than that after the introduction of a glucose solution. The patient's wife did not become pregnant during 10 IUI cycles after treatment with Ham's modified F-10 medium. However, she became pregnant during the first IUI cycle after treatment with a glucose solution and was delivered of healthy twin infants. The wife of patient 2 also became pregnant during the first IUI cycle after treatment with a glucose solution and was delivered of a healthy female infant. Conclusion(s): The introduction of a glucose solution appears to be a safe and simple method for sperm recovery in patients with retrograde ejaculation.