Semen characteristics in consecutive ejaculates with short abstinence in subfertile males

This study reports the favourable semen characteristics of 73 subfertile oligozoospermic men with short abstinence periods up to 40 min. Semen characteristics were compared between initial and consecutive ejaculate showing improved semen parameters: progressive grade A spermatozoa, morphology and sperm concentration. Median concentrations in initial and consecutive ejaculates were 10 million/ml and 17 million/ml, respectively. The second sample had a higher median normal morphology (7% versus 6%, P < 0.001). The median of non-progressive spermatozoa (Grade C) was significantly lower in the consecutive sample than the initial sample (0% versus 5%, P < 0.01). Medians for slow progression spermatozoa (B grade) and immotile spermatozoa (D grade) were lower in the consecutive samples (20% versus 13%, P < 0.01 and 60% versus 50%, P < 0.001, respectively). The median for rapid motility (Grade A) was significantly higher in the consecutive sample than the first (30% versus 5%, P < 0.001). Overall median progressive motility as benchmarked by the WHO 2010 criteria was significantly higher in the consecutive sample (43% versus 25%, P < 0.001). Semen analyses of consecutive semen samples collected 30 min (mean) apart in oligozoospemic men should be checked routinely for diagnostic purposes and for managing potential subfertility treatment.