Novel Male Fertility Treatments - The Round Spermatid Injection (ROSI) Technique

One of the most common infertility treatments we hear about as a society is in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). The novel technique of Round Spermatid Injection (ROSI) is less commonly heard by the public, however is a powerful technique that can be coupled with IVF. In traditional IVF, fully developed sperm cells (spermatozoa) must be used. However, ROSI involves an injection of immature sperm cells, known as round spermatids, into mature eggs during the IVF process. Therefore, ROSI provides an additional option for couples facing male infertility caused by a lack of mature sperm cells.

The key steps of ROSI during the IVF procedure include, spermatid extraction, where round spermatids are obtained through testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or testicular sperm aspiration (TESA). Both TESE and TESA involve retrieval of male testicular tissue and isolating immature sperm cells from the tissue sample. The female undergoes transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval, which involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. The ROSI is then injected into the mature eggs to facilitate fertilisation and development of viable embryos. After the ROSI, fertilised eggs (now embryos) are cultured in the laboratory environment and closely monitored for quality and development. The healthiest embryos are then selected for transfer to the woman's uterus, typically around five days after fertilization.

Through this process, the ROSI technique offers hope to couples with male infertility issues due to the absence of mature sperm cells. It expands the reproductive options available to couples, and can be particularly beneficial for men who have undergone cancer treatments, have genetic disorders affecting sperm maturation, or have had vasectomy procedures. For couples who have previously experienced unsuccessful IVF attempts due to male factor infertility, ROSI presents a promising solution. By injecting round spermatids directly into mature eggs, ROSI can enhance the chances of successful fertilization and the development of viable embryos. The development and refinement of the ROSI technique contribute to the continuous advancement of reproductive medicine.

The ROSI technique represents a remarkable breakthrough in the field of assisted reproductive technology. By utilizing round spermatids, ROSI offers new hope to couples facing male infertility challenges and expands the possibilities for achieving successful pregnancies. This technique not only overcomes limitations associated with the absence of mature sperm cells but also contributes to the ongoing advancements in reproductive medicine. With its potential to improve success rates, the ROSI technique is a significant step forward in helping couples fulfill their dreams of parenthood. The innovation highlights the potential for further breakthroughs in fertility treatments and provides a foundation for future research and advancements.

Sources: Tekayev M. and Vuruskan A.K., 2021, Hanson B.M. et al, 2021