Semen pH and its correlation with motility and count - A study in subfertile men

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology and andrology.
• Semen analysis and male infertility research.

Background:

• Semen quality is a key indicator of male reproductive health.
• The buffering system of semen plays a role in sperm viability and function.
• Understanding the relationship between seminal pH and sperm parameters is important for diagnosing infertility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between semen pH and sperm motility and count.
• To determine the significance of the semen buffering system in maintaining seminal quality.

Main Methods:

• Semen samples were collected from 310 men with infertility issues.
• Semen pH, sperm motility, and sperm count were determined using WHO 2010 laboratory manual standards.
• Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U-test and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient.

Main Results:

• The mean semen pH was 8.4±0.3 (range 6.9-9.5).
• Significant positive correlations were found between pH and total motility, volume, and sluggish progressive motility.
• Negative correlations were observed between pH and total sperm count, rapid progressive motility, and non-motile spermatozoa.

Conclusions:

• Seminal pH is correlated with key fertility parameters like sperm motility and count.
• The findings underscore the vital role of the semen buffering system in overall seminal quality.
• These correlations have clinical relevance for evaluating male infertility.