Received March 21, 2013
Accepted July 22, 2013

Introduction: The role of paternal factors in embryonic development remains controversial. Moreover, it is unclear whether the new reference values for semen parameters correlate with ICSI outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine whether the assessment of sperm parameters according to the new reference values is associated with the frequency of high-quality embryos and ICSI cycle outcomes. Materials and Methods: A total of 385 cycles was included and classified as abnormal sperm parameter group (ASP group, n=175) and normal sperm parameter group (NSP group, n=210). The ICSI outcomes were then compared between the groups. Regression analysis models were performed to evaluate the influence of semen parameters on high-quality embryos and the ICSI outcomes. Results: Only sperm motility positively influenced the high-quality embryo rate (RC: 0.139, p = 0.042). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that sperm progressive motility positively influence the embryo quality rate. The recently established reference values for semen characteristics are of limited value in predicting embryonic development.