Poor quality of sperm as it affects repeated early pregnancy loss

A study was carried out to determine whether males contribute to repeated e arly pregnancy loss. Semen samples were analyzed from proven-fertile men (n = 51 group I) and from men whose partners presented with early pregnancy l oss (>3 first trimester abortions, n = 32 group II). Routine analysis, sper m function tests, and ultrastructural studies of sperms were carried out. F emale factor could be identified in 25 (78%) couples, and in 7 (22%) no cau se either male or female could be identified and the semen analysis was nor mal. Percent morphologically normal did not differ significantly between th e groups, but increased sperm head abnormalities were seen. The functional tests were all normal except for a significant decrease in the capacity of nuclear chromatin to decondense in vitro. The ultrastructural studies showe d defects of chromatin condensation and irregular nuclei with vacuoles. Thi s study points to the loss of chromatin integrity as a possible contributin g factor from males to early pregnancy loss.