[Measurement of sperm motility by Laser-Doppler-spectroscopy in routine andrology lab tests]

Sperm motility of 177 ejaculates from the andrology laboratory, University Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Graz/Austria, was evaluated in a comparative study. Motility was measured by Laser-Doppler-Spectroscopy (Lazymot) and by means of conventional microscopic estimations. For the first time results gained with Lazymot have been associated to different spermiogram diagnoses. In addition to measurements of percentages of total sperm motility, evaluations of mean sperm motility in micron/sec. have been performed. Correlation of results was good for both methods, besides the problem groups of ejaculates with sperm densities below ten millions of spermatozoa per milliliter. Motility characteristics of spermatozoa in an in vitro-Fertilization-Program have been subject to objective measurements with Lazymot for the first time. An enhancement of total motility (16%) and of mean spermatozoal velocity (36%) could be observed in the fertilization media after capacitation. Laser-Doppler-Spectroscopy represents a reliable and fast method for motility determinations in human ejaculate. It is suited for research purposes as well as for andrologic routine work. The operation of the Lazymot is considered to be unproblematic.