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Hyperviscosity and hypofunction of the seminal vesicles
G F Gonzales1, G Kortebani, A B Mazzolli
1Centro Inmunológico-Sección Esterilidad y Reproducción, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Archives of Andrology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Semen hyperviscosity in men is linked to reduced sperm motility and vitality. This condition is primarily associated with hypofunction of the seminal vesicles, impacting male fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Urology
Background:
- Semen hyperviscosity is a potential indicator of male reproductive health issues.
- Understanding the relationship between semen viscosity and accessory gland function is crucial for diagnosing infertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between semen hyperviscosity and the dysfunction of male accessory glands (prostate and seminal vesicles).
- To evaluate the impact of semen hyperviscosity on seminal quality parameters.
Main Methods:
- Semen samples from 229 infertile men were analyzed for viscosity.
- Acid phosphatase and corrected fructose levels were measured to assess prostate and seminal vesicle function, respectively.
- Sperm motility and vitality were evaluated in relation to semen viscosity.
Main Results:
- Semen hyperviscosity was observed in 74 out of 229 patients.
- Samples with high viscosity showed significantly reduced sperm motility, vitality, and corrected fructose levels (p < .05).
- Hyperviscosity was strongly associated with seminal vesicle hypofunction, particularly when corrected seminal fructose levels were below 1.5 mg/mL x 10(6) spz/mL.
Conclusions:
- Semen hyperviscosity negatively affects sperm motility and vitality.
- The study suggests that hyperviscosity is primarily linked to hypofunction of the seminal vesicles, not the prostate.
- Corrected seminal fructose levels below 1.5 mg/mL x 10(6) spz/mL are a key indicator for high semen viscosity.