Semen analysis parameters and their interrelationships in suspected infertile men

Area of Science:

• Andrology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Human Fertility Studies

Background:

• Male infertility affects a significant portion of couples seeking reproductive assistance.
• Understanding normative semen parameters is crucial for diagnosing male factor infertility.
• Previous studies have established reference ranges, but interrelationships require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report mean semen parameters from the first analysis of a large cohort of men suspected of infertility.
• To investigate the interrelationships between sperm density, ejaculate volume, sperm motility, viability, and morphology.
• To assess the impact of azoospermia, polyzoospermia, and semen viscosity on semen quality.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of semen analysis data from 1801 men undergoing their first semen examination.
• Calculation of mean values and standard deviations for sperm density, ejaculate volume, sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology.
• Statistical analysis to determine correlations between parameters and the effect of conditions like azoospermia and high viscosity.

Main Results:

• The mean sperm density was 84.3 x 10(6)/ml, mean volume 3.3 ml, and mean total sperm count 265.6 x 10(6)/ejaculate.
• Excluding azoospermia cases, mean sperm density was 88.7 x 10(6)/ml.
• Significant positive correlations were observed between sperm density and sperm quality parameters (motility, viability, morphology).
• High semen viscosity significantly depressed sperm motility and viability, but not morphology.
• Ejaculate volume was reduced in cases of azoospermia and polyzoospermia.

Conclusions:

• Semen parameters in men suspected of infertility show significant interrelationships.
• Sperm density, motility, viability, and morphology are interconnected.
• Semen viscosity is a critical factor affecting sperm motility and viability, highlighting its importance in fertility assessments.