Split ejaculation study: semen parameters and calcium and magnesium in seminal plasma.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Andrology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Male infertility affects a growing number of couples seeking assisted reproductive technologies.
• Artificial insemination, particularly homologous insemination, offers a viable solution for conditions like oligozoospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia.
• Optimizing sperm preparation techniques is crucial for maximizing the success of artificial insemination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the optimal fraction of a split ejaculate for homologous artificial insemination.
• To analyze the concentration of calcium and magnesium in each split ejaculate fraction.
• To correlate ejaculate fraction quality with mineral content for improved infertility treatment.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-one healthy adult males provided semen samples divided into three sequential splits.
• Each ejaculate split was analyzed according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for sperm parameters.
• Seminal plasma and spermatozoa from each split were assessed for calcium and magnesium levels.

Main Results:

• The first ejaculate split demonstrated significantly higher sperm count and motility compared to the second and third splits.
• Elevated concentrations of calcium and magnesium were observed in the seminal plasma and spermatozoa of the first split.
• Mineral content (calcium, magnesium) followed a decreasing trend from the first to the third ejaculate split.

Conclusions:

• The initial fraction of a split ejaculate is superior in sperm quality (count and motility) for artificial insemination.
• Recommending the first ejaculate split for homologous artificial insemination in patients with oligozoospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia.
• The prostate gland significantly contributes to the calcium and magnesium content in the initial ejaculate fraction.