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Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes
Published on: November 28, 2018
Semen parameters in Norwegian fertile men
Trine B Haugen1, Thore Egeland, Oystein Magnus
1Oslo University College, PO Box 4 St Olavs Plass, N-0130 Oslo, Norway. trine.b.haugen@hf.hio.no
Journal of Andrology
|January 10, 2006
Summary
New semen analysis reference ranges were established for a specific laboratory, revealing lower sperm concentration and motility than World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines suggest. Total motile sperm count best predicts male fertility potential.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Clinical Laboratory Science
Background:
- World Health Organization (WHO) semen analysis guidelines exist, but studies suggest revisions are needed.
- Inter-laboratory variability in semen parameter assessment necessitates local reference ranges.
- Previous WHO reference values may not accurately reflect current male fertility potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish new, laboratory-specific reference ranges for semen variables.
- To compare semen parameters between men with different times to pregnancy (TTP).
- To identify key semen parameters predicting male fertility.
Main Methods:
- Semen analysis of 99 men who recently achieved pregnancy.
- Reference values determined using the 5th and 10th percentiles.
- Analysis focused on men with TTP ≤ 12 cycles and 2-7 days abstinence.
Main Results:
- Established reference ranges for sperm concentration and progressive motility were below WHO lower limits.
- Sperm morphology percentages were also notably low compared to WHO criteria.
- Men achieving pregnancy in one cycle showed significantly better semen parameters, with total motile sperm count being the strongest predictor (P = .002).
Conclusions:
- New laboratory-specific reference ranges for semen variables have been established.
- These new ranges deviate from current WHO guidelines.
- Total motile sperm count is a superior indicator of male fertility potential compared to individual parameters.
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