[Spermatology, a whole separate discipline]

The diagnosis of semen anomalies is mainly subjective and requires therefore extensive training. Presently, no automated technology, no recent exam has proven to be superior to the spermogram and the analysis of sperm penetration into cervical mucus for the diagnosis and prognosis of male infertility. Furthermore, the preparation of an abnormal semen for insemination or IVF requires a good experience of the different techniques and a lot of time. Even when the number of motile spermatozoa recovered reaches normal values, the pregnancy rate is always low when compared with the results obtained with a normal sperm.