New technology in Japan makes it possible for patients with azoospermia to have children

A Japanese hospital recently announced that its research team has successfully removed cells that can evolve into sperm from the testicles of men with azoospermia and achieved stable artificial fertilization. This technology is expected to help men who are troubled by infertility have their own children.

Tian Zhongwen, director of the Notre Dame Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in Kitakyushu City, which developed the technology, said that some men with azoospermia can produce round sperm cells in their bodies. Typically, these cells undergo several more divisions to form sperm. "Patients' round sperm cells cannot evolve into mature sperm, but their round sperm cells still have the ability to fertilize their eggs.".

Researchers at this hospital have found that circular sperm cells can be distinguished from other cells based on their size and composition. In addition, by applying electrical stimulation to the egg, they increased the probability of the egg combining with round sperm cells to form a fertilized egg.

According to reports, since the first girl was born with this technology in June 2012, 80 babies have been born in this hospital in the same way. However, less than 10% of embryos that rely on this technology for artificial fertilization and transfer can eventually give birth to a baby.

To date, no serious abnormalities have been found in the above infants, but because some abnormalities may occur with development, the research team is prepared to continue to follow up these infants until around the age of 10.

(Intern Editor: Cai Junyi)