Semen analysis in post-pubertal patients with posterior urethral valves: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Andrology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Sexual function and fertility are increasingly important considerations for adult patients with posterior urethral valves (PUV).
• Evaluating semen quality in post-pubertal males with PUV is crucial for predicting future fertility outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess semen parameters in post-pubertal patients diagnosed with posterior urethral valves (PUV).
• To determine the potential impact of PUV on male fertility and sexual function in adulthood.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of nine post-pubertal male patients (age >16 years) with PUV were identified from a urology follow-up clinic (1985-1999).
• Eight patients agreed to participate, providing post-masturbation semen and urine samples for analysis.
• Semen analysis included pH, viscosity, liquefaction time, sperm morphology, sperm count, motility, and agglutination.

Main Results:

• Five patients provided semen samples; two had prolonged liquefaction times.
• Sperm counts ranged from 24-80 million/mL, with no cases of oligospermia.
• Abnormal sperm agglutination (4/5) and a high percentage of immotile sperm (4/5) were observed.

Conclusions:

• Semen abnormalities, including increased liquefaction time, abnormal sperm agglutination, and reduced sperm motility, are present in adult patients with posterior urethral valves (PUV).
• The long-term implications of these semen abnormalities on sexual function and fertility warrant further investigation.