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• The current study represents the first large-scale investigation providing significant data on the feasibility and reliability of the hypo-osmotic swelling test (sperm viability test) on sibling oocytes across different sperm origins (ejaculated/testicular) and processing methods (fresh/frozen-thawed) in the context of assisted reproductive technology. • Hypo-osmotic swelling test is more reliable in fresh samples than in those subjected to the freeze–thaw process. • Hypo-osmotic swelling test is not effective in predicting viability in frozen-thawed specimens, regardless of sperm origin. • Hypo-osmotic swelling is considered a safe method for selecting viable sperm in all subgroups. The viability of sperm is a crucial factor for achieving a successful pregnancy in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) in fresh and frozen-thawed sperm samples of different origins (ejaculated/testicular). A retrospective analysis was conducted on the outcomes of 2167 oocytes subjected to ICSI using motile and immotile-HOST-positive sperm from 2011 to 2023. We evaluated embryonic development, as well as clinical, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes in four groups based on different sperm origins (ejaculated/testicular) and processing (fresh/frozen). When comparing the results of ICSI between motile and immotile-HOST-positive sperm within each group, it was observed that there were no significant differences in the outcomes for fresh samples. However, for frozen-thawed samples, fertilization rates and blastocyst development rates were significantly lower when ICSI was performed with immotile-HOST-positive sperm compared to motile sperm. Of note, clinical, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes were statistically similar across all groups. Our findings indicate that HOST is more reliable in fresh samples than in those subjected to the freeze–thaw process. Nonetheless, HOST is considered a safe method for selecting viable sperm in all subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their wide and global use, possible short and long-term effects of fertility treatments on children is not well-established. In this review, birth defects and perinatal complications and their relationship with assisted reproductive technology (ART), along with long-term effects of ART on cardiovascular system, metabolism, behavior, cognitive skills, and childhood cancers are discussed. Children conceived through ART are at increased risk for birth defects and perinatal complications such as preterm delivery, low birth weight and small for gestational age. Parental characteristics, underlying infertility etiology and ART procedures themselves may contribute to this. The long-term effects of ART are difficult to establish. Studies so far report that ART children have normal social, emotional, cognitive, and motor functions. Likewise, despite some minor inconsistencies in some studies, they do not seem to be at increased risk for childhood cancers. However, there are a number of studies that imply vascular system may be adversely affected by ART and its possible consequences should be further investigated with follow up studies. Large scale studies with long-term follow up periods are required to determine the effects of ART on conceived children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]