[Findings and significance of spermatozoa agglomeration in the semen]

Agglomeration of spermatozoa (pseudo-autagglutination, clumping of spermatozoa) is distinguished from agglutination in immunological processes by the coarse meshwork of the spermatozoa clumps and the central inclusion of epithelia, leukocytes, residual bodies, spermatozoa with persisting cytoplasmatic droplets, as well as parts of viscous seminal plasma. In 658 semen samples of out-patients with barried marriage, spermatozoa agglomerations were seen in 13.4% of the samples immediately after liquefaction while in additional 6.7%, they were found up to three hours later. The agglomeration phenomenon is typical but not specific of the so-called vegetative congestion syndrome, appearing concomitant with high spermatozoa counts, normal rate of spermatozoa motility and morphology, as well as an increase in residual bodies and spermatozoa with persisting cytoplasmatic droplets. Next to congestion syndrome, spermatozoa agglomerations may also result from post-inflammatory disturbances of epididymal or accessory gland function whereas in florid stages of inflammation, they are rarely observed. As the congestion syndrome may give rise to male infertility in some cases, andrologists should be acquainted with its clinical and spermatological symptoms with special regard to therapy.