Towards the definition of the fertilizing spermatozoa

The seminological work-up of sperm samples is today totally different than only 20 years ago and the new more detailed readings bring the seminologist closer to the definition of the fertilizing capacity of sperm samples. Still, however careful the descriptive semen analysis, in 10% the predictive value is wrong. In view of inadequacies of the descriptive semen analysis, attempts to improve the laboratory contributions have focussed on the development of more refined techniques concerning the functional competence of human spermatozoa: computerized study of sperm motility, zona-free hamster oocyte penetration assay, hemizona-binding assay, study of the acrosoma reaction, biochemical studies. But it must be considered that the cost of all sperm controls in order to evaluate its fertilizing capacity can become on even harder financial burden than on IVF attempt itself.