The objective was to evaluate the effect of cervical mucus removal before embryo transfer on cycle outcome in women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). A total of 183 patients undergoing embryo transfer (ET) with at least one good quality embryo and adequate endometrial thickness and pattern were enrolled to this randomised controlled study. Patients were divided into three groups according to cervical mucus removal technique: removal via cotton swab, removal via Pipella cannula, and a control group with no mucus removal. Data collection included age and body mass index (BMI), duration of infertility, basal hormonal assessments, antral follicle counts, anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, cycle characteristics, and clinical pregnancy rate. There were no significant differences among groups in terms of age, duration of infertility, and basal hormonal levels; in the dosage of gonadotrophins or duration of administration of antagonist; or in the numbers of oocytes retrieved, MII oocytes, fertilised oocytes, and embryos transferred. In terms of the primary outcome measure, all groups had similar clinical pregnancy rates. This study demonstrates that cervical mucus removal prior to ET, regardless of the method used, does not significantly impact clinical pregnancy rates in ICSI cycles. These findings challenge the necessity of routine cervical mucus removal and suggest that this practice may not confer the benefits previously assumed.

Background and Objectives: To evaluate the impact of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) triggering compared to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) triggering on frozen-thawed and fresh embryo transfer outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 267 IVF cycles of 261 PCOS patients treated with GnRH antagonist protocols. Patients were divided into three groups: GnRHa-triggered frozen-thawed embryo transfer (ET) (n = 126), hCG-triggered frozen-thawed ET (n = 68), and hCG-triggered fresh ET (n = 73). Baseline characteristics, stimulation parameters, and cycle outcomes were compared between groups. A binary logistic regression analysis was established to identify independent predictors of clinical pregnancy. Results: The GnRHa-triggered group had significantly higher numbers of retrieved oocytes, mature (MII) oocytes, and fertilized oocytes compared to both hCG-triggered groups (p < 0.001). The number of obtained embryos and frozen embryos (good-quality embryos) was highest in the GnRHa group (p < 0.001). However, clinical pregnancy rates were comparable between the groups with a similar number and grade of transferred embryos (32.53%, 38.23%, and 32.87%, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the grade of the transferred embryo was a significant predictor of clinical pregnancy (p = 0.034). Conclusions: This study provides insights into different triggering strategies for final oocyte maturation in PCOS patients. GnRH-agonist-triggered frozen-thawed cycles showed comparable clinical pregnancy outcomes to those of hCG-triggered cycles, with a potentially lower OHSS risk. The findings suggest that individualized triggering approaches based on patient characteristics and OHSS risk may be beneficial for PCOS patients undergoing IVF.

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to investigate if adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) treatment has any protective effect on ovarian function in rats with cyclophosphamide (CP) induced ovarian damage. DESIGN:This was an experimental animal study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS:25 mature cycling Wistar-Albino rats were randomized into four groups (n = 5 per group). Rats in groups 1 and 2 received single dose of intraperitoneal (i.p.) 1 mL/kg sodium chloride 0.9% (NaCl). Groups 3 and 4 received single dose of 75 mg/kg i.p. CP. On seventh day, SVF was prepared from adipose tissues of 5 additional rats and groups 1 and 3 received 0.9% NaCl i.p. injections while groups 2 and 4 received 0.2 mL i.p. injections of SVF. On day 21 all rats were euthanized, and serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, primordial, primary, secondary, antral, and atretic follicle counts, AMH positive staining follicle counts along with AMH staining intensity of the follicles were evaluated. RESULTS:Among two CP induced ovarian damaged groups, SVF treated group showed significantly higher secondary and antral follicle and lower atretic follicle counts, significantly higher mean serum AMH levels, AMH positive antral follicle count and higher intensity of AMH positive follicle scores for primary, secondary, and antral follicles when compared to untreated group. Moreover, group 1 showed no significant difference for all parameters except antral follicle count and AMH positive staining intensity scores for antral follicles when compared to group 4. LIMITATIONS:This study was conducted on experimental rat model. CONCLUSION:Our study demonstrated a significant protective effect of SVF against CP-induced ovarian damage which reveals the apparent need for further investigation of its precise mechanisms of action as it may provide a new treatment approach for women with premature ovarian failure.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the frequency of psychological distress and related factors in infertile women who underwent assisted reproductive technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic and to develop health policies accordingly. STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was carried out with 352 infertile women who applied to the in vitro fertilization clinic between December 2020-February 2021. In the face-to-face survey study, five questionnaires were given to all participants: (1) a Questionnaire regarding the socio-demographic/general health characteristics of the patient, (2) Impact of Event Scale-Revised, (3) Beck's Depression Inventory, (4) State-Trait Anxiety Inventory -1, (5) State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-2. RESULTS: Post-traumatic stress disorder was detected in 129 (36.6%) infertile women. In cases of diminished ovarian reserve and oocyte freezing; a significantly higher incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder was found compared to patients with unexplained infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, and male factor infertility (p=0.004). Minimal-mild depression level was detected in 295 (83.8%) participants, and moderate-severe depression level was found in 57 (16.2%) participants. The mean State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-1 and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-2 scores of infertile women were 43.5±6.7 and 46.6±6.3, respectively. A statistically significant relationship was found between the duration of infertility and moderate-severe anxiety according to State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-1 (p=0.046). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that women with long-term infertility and undergoing oocyte freezing are the most affected patients by the pandemic. It would be appropriate for in vitro fertilization centers to provide psychological support to patients that have a mentally high risk of distress.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic disorder associated with obesity and energy metabolic system disturbances in adipose tissue. Neuregulin 4 (NRG4), which is secreted by adipose tissue, regulates energy metabolism. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the association between serum NRG4 levels in obese and normal weight PCOS patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Turkey from April to August 2017. We included 148 women who were divided into four groups as follows: 40 normal weight and 39 obese PCOS women diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria as well as 38 normal weight and 31 obese, age-matched, non-hyperandrogenemic women with a regular menstrual cycle (controls). Levels of serum NRG4, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP); lipid and hormone profiles; insulin resistance indices [homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)];and anthropometric parameters were evaluated. Serum NRG4 levels were elevated in the normal weight PCOS group than in the control group. Moreover, serum NRG4 levels were higher in the obese PCOS group than in the normal weight PCOS and obese control groups (p < .01). Serum NRG4 levels were positively correlated with body mass index (BMI); waist/hip ratio; HOMA-IR; and levels of triglycerides, hs-CRP, FBG, insulin, AMH, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. Multiple regression analyses revealed that serum NRG4 levels were independently associated with BMI. Obesity appears to be the most influential factor for NRG4 secretion in PCOS patients. Management of obesity may be a key factor for resolving PCOS-related metabolic abnormalities and fertility problems.Impact Sstatement What is already known on this subject? PCOS is a dynamic syndrome with different clinical and metabolic features during the reproductive age. PCOS is associated with various metabolic abnormalities, such as insulin resistance (IR), glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and obesity (particularly visceral obesity) as well as long-term complications, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Neuregulin 4 (NRG4), which is secreted by adipose tissue, regulates energy metabolism. What do the results of this study add? To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study investigating NRG4 levels in PCOS patients with different BMIs. Obesity appears to be the most influential factor for NRG4 secretion in these patients. Managing obesity may be a key factor for resolving PCOS-related metabolic abnormalities.

Introduction: Etanercept has been widely used in autoimmune diseases for blocking tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), which is an inflammatory cytokine. The anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects of etanercept against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury have been shown for several tissues in rat studies, but to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports on its protective effects following similar injury in ovarian tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate whether etanercept has beneficial effects on ovarian I/R injury, as well as on ovarian reserve. Material and methods: Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6/group): sham (laparotomy only); sham + etanercept; I/R; and I/R + etanercept. Ischemia was induced for 3 h by twisting the ovary, and 24 h after detorsion the ovarian tissues were collected to evaluate histopathologic changes, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations for oxidative stress, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) for DNA damage, caspase-3 activity for apoptosis and ovarian follicle counts. To measure anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), serum samples were drawn before and after surgery. Results: Tissue GSH and SOD levels were significantly higher, while MDA and MPO levels were significantly lower in the I/R + etanercept group than in the I/R group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). Tissue 8-OHdG and caspase-3 activity were significantly lower in the I/R+etanercept group than in the I/R group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). Preoperative and postoperative AMH levels were compared and there was a significant reduction in the I/R and I/R + etanercept groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). The reduction of AMH in the I/R + etanercept group was significantly lower than in the I/R group. The primordial, preantral and small antral follicle numbers were also significantly higher in the I/R + etanercept group compared to the I/R group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.005, respectively). Conclusions: Etanercept attenuated inflammation and related oxidative stress and also helped to preserve ovarian reserve following ovarian I/R damage.

OBJECTIVE:To compare metaphase II (MII) rate, fertilization rate, and embryo quality with dual trigger gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH) and normal dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) versus a normal dose hCG trigger in antagonist intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles of poor ovarian responders.MATERIAL AND METHODS:Patients defined as poor ovarian responders according to the Bologna criteria who underwent ICSI with GnRH antagonist protocol and triggered with dual trigger or hCG alone for oocyte maturation. Main outcome measures were MII rate, fertilization rate, and embryo quality.RESULTS:Total gonadotropin doses and E2 levels on trigger day were higher in the hCG trigger group. There were no significant differences with regard to implantation rate (p=0.304), biochemical pregnancy rate (p=0.815), clinical pregnancy rate (p=0.378), and ongoing pregnancy rate (p=0.635) between the groups.CONCLUSION:Dual trigger of oocyte maturation with GnRH agonist and normal dose hCG in poor responders does not demonstrate improved oocyte maturation, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy rates.

Objective: We aimed to assess the effect of serum albumin level adjusted progesterone levels on the trigger day on clinical pregnancy rate in ICSI cycles.Study Design: A total of 100 women undergoing ICSI cycles due to poor ovarian reserve or tubal factor infertility were included in this study. Serum progesterone and albumin levels on the trigger day were utilized to predict clinical pregnancy among normal and poor responders.Results: There were significant differences between groups with and without successful clinical pregnancy in terms of serum albumin (4.6 vs. 4.3 g/dl), progesterone levels (0.5 ng/mL vs. 0.7 ng/mL) on the trigger day and endometrial thickness (11.5 mm vs. 9.3 mm) (p<0.05, p<0.05 and p<0.05, respectively). In ROC analyses, progesterone level on the trigger day was found to be a significant predictor of clinical pregnancy (AUC=0.652, p=0.015). An optimal cut-off value of 0.55 ng/mL was obtained with 65% sensitivity and 57% specificity. Albumin level adjusted progesterone concentrations on the trigger day were 0.67 ng/mL versus 0.64 ng/mL, but this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Albumin adjusted progesterone concentrations may be utilized to determine cases for a freeze-all policy.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of coagulation tests at trigger day in patients with isolated factor V Leiden mutation who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle (ICSI). Study Design: Ninety women with isolated factor V Leiden mutation underwent ICSI cycles with an indication of unexplained infertility. In all participants antagonist protocol was used for ovarian hyperstimulation and coagulation tests including activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), partial thromboplastin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), serum fibrinogen and D-dimer levels at trigger day were determined to predict successful implantation. All the clinical parameters specific for the treatment and some patient characteristics were recorded for each participants. Results: There was no significant difference between groups with and without succesfull implantation in terms of age, body mass index, basal hormone levels (follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, progesterone at day 3 and antimullerian hormone) (P > 0.05). Estradiol and progestrone levels at trigger day were comparable between groups (P > 0.05). Groups had similar endometrial thickness at embryo transfer day (P > 0.05). Some ovarian stimulation characteristics including initial gonadotropin dose, number of follicles > 17 mm, number of oocytes harvested and number of embryos were similar between groups (P > 0.05). Although there was no significant difference between groups with regard to APTT and PT levels, INR level were significantly lower while D-dimer levels and fibrinogen were significantly higher in cases without implantation (P < 0.05). Conclusion: D-dimer, fibrinogen and INR levels were significant predictors for successful implantation in women with isolated factor V Leiden who underwent ovulation hyperstimulation.

The study aimed to assess the effect of high estrogen exposure and coasting on cycle outcome in women at risk for developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Retrospective case-control study was conducted to figure out the outcomes of GnRH antagonist cycles in which women were at risk to develop OHSS. Women who underwent coasting (n=100) were compared with a control group of women who did not undergo coasting (n=287). Effect of endometrial estrogen exposure was determined by calculating area under curve of temporal estrogen measurements (AUCEM) through the cycle. Among 387 women with PCOS, 100 cases were required to undergo coasting to avoid OHSS. All participants reached to embryo transfer stage and clinical pregnancy rate was 44% in group with coasting whereas 39% in group without coasting (p>.05). AUCEM was a significant predictor for the cases who required coasting to avoid OHSS (AUC=0.754, p<.001). Optimal cut off value was calculated to be 6762 with 71% sensitivity and 67% specificity. ROC analysis showed no predictive value of AUCEM for clinical pregnancy in subgroup of women with coasting (AUC=0.496, p>.05). Consistently, ROC analysis showed no predictive value of AUCEM for clinical pregnancy in subgroup of women without coasting (AUC=0.494, p>.05). In conclusion, neither coasting nor the high endometrial estrogen exposure was found to have detrimental effect on endometrial receptivity and cycle outcome in PCOS.

Objective: Some hormonal alterations after ovarian diathermy have been proposed in previous studies. Based on this data, we aimed to analyze some hormone profile changes following oocyte pick-up in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Study Designs: A total of 50 women with polycystic ovarian syndrome underwent ovarian stimulation for IVF cycle with an indication of anovulatory infertility. Some hormone profiles with the insulin resistance were assessed before and after oocyte pick-up to (early in the morning before starting stimulation and repeated 1 month later from oocyte pick-up day) assess whether high number of needle entries into the ovarian cortex and stroma result in similar effect with the diathermy. Results: Comparison of some variables revealed significantly decreased HOMA-IR and serum total testosterone concentrations after intervention. Correlation analyses showed significant correlations between number of needle entries, change in HOMA-IR, baseline total testosterone level and change in AMH level. Conclusion: Our data showed significant metabolic and hormonal alterations following oocyte pick up consistent with the effect of ovarian diathermy in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Objective: To compare embryo transfer (ET) technique based on catheter rotation during its withdrawal in cases with unexplained infertility in a prospective, randomized trial (NCT03097042). Methods: Two hundred intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) patients undergoing ET with cleaving or blastocyst-stage fresh embryos were randomized into 2 groups: cases with (n = 100), and without (n = 100) catheter rotation during its withdrawal. Groups were matched for age and some clinical parameters. A soft catheter was used to transfer a single embryo with catheter rotation during its withdrawal in the study group and without rotation in the control. The use of a stiff catheter or tenaculum was not needed in any case. Groups were compared in terms of cycle characteristics and clinical pregnancy rates. Results: Pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the study group (41 vs. 26%, p = 0.04). Clinical pregnancy rate was also significantly higher in the study group (39 vs. 25%, OR 1.9 [1.1-3.5], p = 0.05). On the other hand, the ongoing pregnancy rate was similar between the 2 groups (33 vs. 23%, p = 0.2). Conclusion: Catheter rotation during its withdrawal may be associated with increased pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates; however, the difference in ongoing pregnancy rates did not reach statistical significance. (C) 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel

Background/aim We aimed to investigate whether oocyte morphologic abnormalities affected cycle outcome in poor responder infertile women who fulfilled the Bologna criteria. Materials and methods Data were obtained from infertile couples who underwent ICSI and embryo transfer at the Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children’s Health Training and Research Hospital Assisted Reproduction Unit in İstanbul, Turkey. They were allocated to two groups: Group A, poor responders, and Group B, normal responders. All morphological abnormalities of oocytes retrieved were reviewed and grouped as cytoplasmic abnormalities or extracytoplasmic abnormalities. All morphological features were compared between the poor and normal responder groups. ICSI cycle outcomes were described as biochemical pregnancy, fertilization rate, number of top-quality zygotes, top-quality zygote rate, number of embryos transferred, and number of top-quality embryos transferred. The relation between each morphological feature and ICSI outcomes was investigated in each group. Results The results showed no difference between the groups in terms of morphological features of oocytes. The relation between ICSI cycle outcomes and each oocyte morphological feature was compared in the poor and normal responder groups. Presence of cytoplasmic morphological abnormality was found to significantly correlate with the fertilization rate (P = 0.019) in poor responders. Conclusion Our data show that oocyte cytoplasmic abnormalities significantly reduce fertilization achievement in poor responders.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (Anti-TPO) on the in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) outcome in women with poor ovarian reserve but normal thyrotropin levels. A total of 300 patients with poor ovarian reserve undergoing ICSI cycle from April 2015 to December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Subjects were divided into two groups: Group 1: Women with early ovarian aging, Group 2: Women with age related poor ovarian reserve. All subjects underwent anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO) analysis. The impacts of age and anti-TPO positivity on cycle outcome were assessed. There were no significant differences in basal FSH, basal AMH levels, and antral follicle count between the two main groups. Groups were also comparable in terms of the duration of ovarian stimulation, peak estradiol level, starting gonadotropin dose, total gonadotropin dose, and number of oocytes retrieved. Clinical pregnancy and cycle cancelation rates were significantly higher in group with age-related poor ovarian reserve. While autoimmune thyroid disease rate was significantly higher in group with early ovarian aging. Anti-TPO positivity was a risk factor for poor cycle outcome [RR: 2.8 (95% CI: 1.2-6.3)]. Early ovarian aging may be associated with poorer cycle outcome compared to group with age-related poor ovarian reserve. This difference may be associated with high rate of autoimmunity which led to the impaired endometrial receptivity.

AIM:Is there any relationship between estrogen and progesterone concentrations during assisted reproductive technology (ART)? Which hormone is the main determinant of impaired endometrial receptivity?METHODS:This study was conducted from July to December 2016 at the in vitro Fertilization/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection unit at Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Health Training and Research Hospital. A total of 289 women who underwent ART were prospectively screened and areas under the curve of temporal estrogen (AUCEM) and progesterone measurements (AUCPM) were calculated for each participant. Women were included if they had regular menstrual cycles, normal serum prolactin levels and had not received hormone treatment within three months. ART was indicated in all patients for unexplained infertility. Patients were divided into two groups: with (n = 90) and without (n = 199) embryo implantation. The relationship between the two AUCs and ART success was assessed in terms of embryo implantation and clinical pregnancy.RESULTS:Implantation was successful in 90 (31.1%) women, and a fetal heart rate was detected in 83 (28.7%) cases. There was a significant correlation between AUCEM and AUCPM (r = 0.525, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed significant associations between failure of implantation, lack of clinical pregnancy and AUCEM (beta coefficient = 0.311, P < 0.001; beta coefficient = 0.297, P < 0.001, respectively) after adjusting for AUCPM.CONCLUSION:Our data showed that the degree of endometrial estrogen exposure is the main factor functioning as a detrimental effect of ovarian stimulation on endometrial receptivity.

Background/Aims: Data on the timing of catheter removal technique following embryo transfer (ET) are quite limited. We aimed to compare the reproductive outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)/ET cycles in which the transfer catheter was removed immediately with those in which the catheter was removed after a delay period and hereby to evaluate the impact that the time interval before removal of the catheter following embryo deposit may have on the fertility outcomes. Methods: A prospective randomized study was designed. ICSI/ET patients <40 years were randomly assigned to either of the group from which catheter was withdrawn immediately within the first 5 s (Group A) or after a 30 s delay (Group B) following ET. Results: Groups A and B consisted of 147 and 148 patients, respectively. Patient demographics and stimulation characteristics were comparable between the groups. Pregnancy rate was 32.2% (95 of 295) and clinical pregnancy rate was 28.8% (85 of 295), whereas ongoing pregnancy was 24.4% (72 of 295) and implantation rate was 29.6% (100 of 338). The comparison of reproductive outcomes revealed no significant differences in pregnancy (p = 0.933), clinical pregnancy (p = 0.673), ongoing pregnancy (p = 0.590), multiple pregnancy (p = 0.801), and implantation rates (p = 0.979) between the groups. Conclusion: No significant difference was observed in the reproductive outcomes between the groups; thus, there appears no requirement to delay the withdrawal of the catheter to improve the outcomes in ICSI cycles.

OBJECTIVE:To determine some major characteristic differences between two consecutive successful and unsuccessful intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles in poor responders.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Sixty women with poor ovarian response as determined using the Bologna criteria underwent ICSI cycles following an unsuccessful trial. Some parameters of both cycles including age, body mass index (BMI), serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels, antral follicle count, gonadotropin dosage, duration of stimulation, antagonist starting day, duration of antagonist administration, endometrial thickness at trigger day, number of total and fertilized oocytes, embryo transfer day, number of embryo cells, and fertilization rate were compared in the same patients to identify predictors of cycles with clinical pregnancy.RESULTS:The mean age, BMI, serum FSH, estradiol concentrations, and antral follicle count were 35.9 years (range, 30-42 years), 25.9 kg/m2 (range, 18.4-33.5 kg/m2), 10.9 IU/mL (range, 7-13 IU/mL), 52.9 pg/mL (range, 11.6-75 pg/mL), and 4.7 (range, 2-10), respectively. A comparison of cycle characteristics showed a significantly higher total number of mature and fertilized oocytes in successful cycles. The fertilization rate was also significantly higher in cycles with clinical pregnancy. Early initiation of antagonist was shown to result in favorable outcomes. A comparison of embryo characteristics showed that transfer of higher-stage embryos and embryos with higher numbers of cells had a significant impact on cycle outcomes.CONCLUSION:Our comparison of parameters of failed and successful ICSI cycles in poor responders revealed significantly earlier antagonist initiation, higher total number of mature and fertilized oocytes, fertilization rate, and significantly higher stage of embryo development and cell numbers at transfer in cycles that resulted in clinical pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE:To determine whether semen and plasma presepsin values measured in men with normozoospermia and oligoasthenospermia undergoing invitro-fertilization would be helpful in predicting ongoing pregnancy and live birth.METHODS:Group-I was defined as patients who had pregnancy after treatment and Group-II comprised those with no pregnancy. Semen and blood presepsin values were subsequently compared between the groups. Parametric comparisons were performed using Student's t-test, and non-parametric comparisons were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test.RESULTS:There were 42 patients in Group-I and 72 in Group-II. In the context of successful pregnancy and live birth, semen presepsin values were statistically significantly higher in Group-I than in Group-II (p= 0.004 and p= 0.037, respectively). The most appropriate semen presepsin cut-off value for predicting both ongoing pregnancy and live birth was calculated as 199 pg/mL. Accordingly, their sensitivity was 64.5% to 59.3%, their specificity was 57.0% to 54.2%, and their positive predictive value was 37.0% to 29.6%, respectively; their negative predictive value was 80.4% in both instances.CONCLUSION:Semen presepsin values could be a new marker that may enable the prediction of successful pregnancy and/or live birth. Its negative predictive values are especially high.