Fig. 2.

MSOME of spermatozoa selected for ICSI. 182 spermatozoa otherwise considered suitable for ICSI were analysed with MSOME. The technique reveals several morphological defects not noted in standard ICSI procedures. a and b Normal morphology and presence of a single vacuole not greater than 4% of the surface area (arrow in b.). These examples represent 64 spermatozoa analysed in the trial c–h. Abnormal morphologies. c Presence of a single vacuole greater than 4% surface area. The arrow delineates the vacuole. Similar examples were observed in 38 spermatozoa. d Spermatozoa with multiple vacuoles (delineated by arrows). This example is representative of 22 spermatozoa analysed with MSOME. e Spermatozoa with a midpiece defect and a single vacuole over 4% of surface area. f Spermatozoa with a midpiece defect and multiple vacuoles in the sperm head (representative of 5 spermatozoa analysed). g and h Amorphous spermatozoa. Such examples were found in 27 spermatozoa otherwise considered normal for ICSI