'How to count sperm properly': checklist for acceptability of studies based on human semen analysis

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Andrology
• Scientific Publishing

Background:

• Semen analysis lacks standardization, negatively impacting study quality, patient classification, and clinical decisions.
• Existing methods to reduce laboratory error in semen analysis are not consistently assessed by journals.
• There is a need for systems to evaluate the adherence to robust semen analysis methodologies in published research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a tool for authors, reviewers, and editors to enhance the quality of studies using semen analysis data.
• To ensure high-quality assessment of manuscripts by verifying the relevance and quality of semen analysis methods.
• To improve the standardization and reliability of semen analysis reporting in scientific publications.

Main Methods:

• A checklist was developed through discussions at Associate Editor Meetings of the ESHRE Journals.
• The tool aims to guide authors in study design and assist in manuscript evaluation by reviewers and editors.
• Key points for assessing the relevance and quality of semen analysis methods are included.

Main Results:

• A basic checklist for authors, reviewers, and editors has been created and is presented.
• The checklist includes essential points for study design and manuscript evaluation.
• Checklist answers can be provided as supplementary data for published articles, reducing the need for extensive technical details in print.

Conclusions:

• Authors must explain methodological deviations and declare uncertainty levels when semen analysis does not meet basic requirements.
• The checklist promotes transparency and uniformity in reporting semen analysis results.
• Wider adoption of this checklist is expected to establish a standard of practice for reporting semen analysis, impacting reproductive medicine research and patient care.