Assessment of sperm competence

The predictive values of four categories of established sperm function assays--computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA), induced-acrosome reaction testing, sperm penetration assay, and sperm-zona pellucida binding assays--are still unsure. In this article we examine the evaluation of sperm competence. We propose that assessment of sperm competence should include investigations at the nuclear, organelle, and cytoskeletal levels. In light of this, we discuss the assessment of sperm nuclear integrity as an alternative new method of analysis. We also question the merit of having such tests, whereby it may be an easier choice to direct these patients straight to an assisted reproduction treatment.