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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation
Published on: November 29, 2018
Sperm loss in the urine of sexually rested men
1Harris Birthright Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Sheffield, Jessop Hospital for Women, Sheffield, U.K.
Abstract:
In the majority of species, the number of spermatozoa ejaculated is considerably less than the number of sperm produced. Two possible explanations for this discrepancy are the resorption of sperm in the reproductive tract and/or the passage of sperm to the urine. We have examined 24-h urine samples from fertile men who abstained from sexual activity for up to 13 days. Very few sperm were found in the 24-h urine samples. We conclude that sperm loss in the urine is not a significant pathway of sperm disposal in the sexually rested male.
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