This study aimed to compare sperm parameters and reproductive outcomes after sperm selection using microfluidic chips versus conventional techniques (swim-up/density gradients). A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed after the extraction of relevant data from thirty-nine studies that met the inclusion criteria. Mean difference or odds ratio was calculated for each outcome. The analysis revealed that sperm selection using microfluidics yields lower sperm DNA fragmentation (MD = −9.98 [−13.19, −6.76], p < 0.00001), increased progressive motility (MD = 14.50 [7.84, 21.71], p = 0.04), total motility (MD = 10.68 [6.04, 15.31], p < 0.00001) and morphology (MD = 1.41 [0.67, 2.16], p = 0.0002). Significant differences were also found in the fertilization rate/MII oocyte microinjected (OR = 1.22 [1.01, 1.46], p = 0.04), implantation rate/embryo transfer (ET) (OR = 4.51 [1.42, 14.37], p = 0.01), clinical pregnancy/ET (OR = 1.73 [1.22, 2.45], p = 0.002), ongoing pregnancy/ET (OR = 1.99 [1.03, 3.83], p = 0.04), live birth rate/first cycle (OR = 1.59 [1.12, 2.24], p = 0.009) and per all embryo transfer (OR = 1.65 [1.06, 2.55], p = 0.03). No significant differences were found in embryo euploidy/number of biopsied blastocysts (OR = 1.34 [0.88, 2.04], p = 0.77), biochemical pregnancy/ET (OR = 1.23 [0.84, 1.80], p = 0.29), miscarriage rate/cycle (OR = 0.84 [0.54, 1.31], p = 0.35) and per pregnancy (OR = 0.71 [0.50, 1.02], p = 0.07), live birth rate/first embryo transfer (OR = 1.60 [0.80, 3.22], p = 0.18) and per concluded cycle (OR = 1.03 [0.53, 2.00], p = 0.92). To summarize, microfluidics may offer a beneficial approach in certain situations, particularly for patients with elevated sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) levels. However, its integration into routine clinical practice cannot be justified yet in terms of cost-effectiveness. Additional research is needed to provide more comprehensive data on reproductive outcomes, especially live birth rates, which remain the ultimate goal of assisted reproductive technologies.

This study aimed to compare sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) levels between ejaculate and testicular sperm and evaluate clinical outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles using testicular sperm (T-ICSI) versus ejaculate sperm (E-ICSI) in males with high ejaculate SDF, prior ICSI failures, or severe male infertility. A systematic review of major databases and a subsequent meta-analysis were performed to compare clinical outcomes in men with high SDF, oligozoospermia, or prior ICSI failures undergoing T-ICSI or E-ICSI. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes analyzed included SDF levels, fertilization rate (FR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live birth rate (LBR) per embryo transfer (ET), and miscarriage rate (MR) per pregnancy. The mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR) were calculated for each outcome. Paired assessments of SDF showed significantly lower levels in testicular sperm compared to ejaculated sperm (MD = −25.42 [−31.47, −17.30], p < 0.00001). While no significant difference in FR was observed in T-ICSI cycles overall (OR = 0.94 [0.74, 1.20]), a subgroup analysis revealed significantly higher FR with E-ICSI in men with oligozoospermia and no prior ICSI failures (OR = 0.61 [0.52, 0.71], p < 0.00001). CPR was significantly higher in T-ICSI cycles (OR = 2.13 [1.35, 3.36], p < 0.001; n = 540 ET), along with a significantly lower MR (OR = 0.31 [0.14, 0.70], p = 0.004; n = 35) and increased LBR (OR = 2.40 [1.32, 4.36], p = 0.004; n = 446 ET). In conclusion, using testicular sperm in cases of elevated ejaculate SDF, oligozoospermia, or prior failed ICSI cycles enhances the selection of sperm with lower DNA damage, leading to improved pregnancy rates, reduced miscarriage rates, and higher live birth rates. However, the studies included were rated as having a moderate to serious risk of bias. Further well-designed randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings with stronger evidence.