Related Experiment Videos
pH of human semen
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, National Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway.
International Journal of Andrology
|July 24, 1998
Summary
Semen pH in men undergoing infertility testing was consistently above the established normal range. These findings suggest current World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for semen pH may need revision for accurate male infertility assessment.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Current World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines define normal semen pH as 7.2-8.0 (1992 manual).
- Previous WHO guidelines (1987, 1993 clinical manual) cited a narrower upper limit of 7.8.
- Semen pH is a component of male infertility evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the actual pH levels in ejaculates from men undergoing infertility examinations.
- To compare measured semen pH values with existing WHO reference ranges.
- To determine if current normal values require revision.
Main Methods:
- pH was measured in 207 male ejaculates using both pH paper and a pH meter.
- Measurements were taken within 30 to 60 minutes post-ejaculation.
- Participants were men undergoing infertility assessments.
Main Results:
- Mean semen pH values consistently exceeded 8.0 across all measurement methods and time points.
- All measured pH values were significantly higher than the established WHO normal range.
- No substantial variation was observed based on analysis method or time post-ejaculation.
Conclusions:
- The study findings indicate that typical semen pH in the studied population is higher than currently accepted normal values.
- Current WHO guidelines for normal semen pH may not accurately reflect physiological values.
- A revision of normal semen pH ranges is suggested to improve the clinical assessment of male infertility.