Association between semen collection time and semen parameters: an observational study.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Andrology
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Semen specimen quality is crucial for accurate fertility assessment.
• The relationship between the duration of semen collection and semen quality remains poorly understood.
• Understanding this association can optimize semen analysis and fertility evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between semen collection time and various semen quality parameters.
• To determine if prolonged semen collection time correlates with reduced male fertility indicators.
• To explore the impact of collection time on outcomes in assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Main Methods:

• Analysis of ejaculates from 746 men (subfertile and healthy) undergoing semen analysis.
• Statistical correlation of semen collection time with semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology.
• Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess risks of specific sperm abnormalities.

Main Results:

• Increased semen collection time was associated with poorer semen quality across multiple parameters.
• Longer collection times correlated with decreased semen volume, sperm concentration, and progressive/total motility.
• Significant negative linear association observed between collection time and sperm morphology, increasing risks of asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged semen collection time is a significant risk factor for abnormal semen parameters.
• Increased collection duration may negatively impact male fertility potential.
• Semen collection time should be considered as a factor in semen analysis and fertility assessments.