Showing papers on "Semen analysis published in 1991"

Combined administration of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist and testosterone in men induces reversible azoospermia without loss of libido.

Abstract: GnRH antagonists suppress pituitary and gonadal function by competing with endogenous GnRH for binding to receptors on pituitary gonadotrophs. We studied the effects of GnRH antagonist administration to men in a protocol simulating a likely male contraceptive regimen combined with a low dose of testosterone. The GnRH antagonist Nal-Glu was given daily (10 mg, sc) for 20 weeks to eight normal men, and a low dose of testosterone enanthate (25 mg, sc) was given every week. Sperm counts started declining during week 4, and complete azoospermia was reached within 6–12 weeks in six of the eight subjects. Subjects 7 and 8, whose sperm counts and serum gonadotropin levels were not suppressed after 10 weeks, were given 20 mg Nal-Glu starting at week 10. One became azoospermic at week 16, while the other's total sperm counts continued declining and reached a nadir of 1.4 million by week 20. Sperm motility and viability in this subject were completely suppressed after week 14. Sperm counts returned to baseline level...

Variation of semen quality in normal men

Abstract: To examine the amount of variability in semen analysis results and whether there is any effect of season, 673 specimens provided by seven normal, healthy men (61-205 specimens/subject) over 72-324 weeks were assessed for sperm concentration, ejaculate volume, motility and motility index. Noticeable sample to sample variations were found. The largest proportion of the overall variance was due to within-subject differences, e.g., sperm concentration (54%), ejaculate volume (59%), percentage motility (96%) and motility index (74%). Although changes in semen-analysis results occurred over the year, no consistent trend was seen. No evidence was found to suggest that the differences were due to modifications of the methods employed by the laboratory, or to the change of season.

The Application of Pentoxifylline in the Stimulation of Sperm Motion in Men Undergoing Electroejaculation

Abstract: The ability of pentoxifylline to stimulate the motion characteristics of antegrade and retrograde sperm collected at the time of electroejaculation with a rectal probe was assessed in six neurologically impaired men. Before electroejaculation, the bladder was rinsed and instilled with 20 to 30 ml Ham's F-10 medium. Washed sperm were incubated with various doses (0, 0.1, 1, and 3 mmol/L) of pentoxifylline. Video sequences were recorded at intervals from 0 to 4.5 hours and analyzed for sperm motion parameters using manual and computer-assisted semen analysis. The results were compared with equimolar concentrations of caffeine. Both pentoxifylline and caffeine demonstrated a dose-dependent stimulation of percent motility and other motion parameters. A maximal stimulation of two-fold to three-fold for both percent motility and curvilinear velocity, and 30% to 60% for straight line velocity was observed after incubation under these conditions. A significant increase in mean linearity was observed in samples incubated with 0.1 mmol/L pentoxifylline at 1.5 hours. Significant lateral head displacement was not observed at any time point. Two couples underwent gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) in conjunction with this electroejaculation sperm stimulation procedure, and one has since delivered a normal child. These studies show that pentoxifylline stimulation can improve the movement characteristics of asthenospermic sperm from neurologically impaired men. Such sperm stimulation techniques do not affect the fertilization process and may improve the chances for conception in some cases of male-factor infertility.

Thiol status in human sperm.

Abstract: The passage of spermatozoa along the epididymis is characterized by a gradual stabilization of intracellular organelles mainly through the oxidation of thiol groups. In this study, we examined the relationship between the thiol-disulfide status of human spermatozoa (using a specific fluorescent probe, monobromobimane) and routine semen analysis parameters. Fluorescence intensity was measured by spectrofluorimeter and its frequency distribution within samples, using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. The mean proportion of reactive thiols SH/(SS + SH) in 29 semen samples was 29.8% +/- 2.5%. When comparing thiol labeling patterns, oligozoospermic samples differed from normozoospermic ones (P less than 0.05). However, within the normozoospermic group, no correlation was found between thiol-labeling patterns and routine sperm parameters or fertilizing capacity in vitro. No difference in thiol labeling patterns was found between "swim-up" and "whole semen" preparations.

Effect of Antisperm Antibodies on Computerized Semen Analysis

Abstract: The effect of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in males was determined in 239 men by the use of a computerized semen analyzer (CASA). ASA was assessed using the direct immunobead test (IBT). Sperm variables for men with positive ASA were significantly lower than those with negative results in percentages of motility, velocity, and linearity.

Evaluation of human sperm hyperactivated motility and its relationship with the zona-free hamster oocyte sperm penetration assay.

Abstract: The authors studied hyperactivated motility of human spermatozoa as a method of evaluating capacitation by examining its relationship to results of zona-free hamster oocyte sperm penetration assays (SPA) of semen samples from 50 men attending the infertility clinic. Hyperactivated motility was assessed in the seminal plasma and after swim-up preparation of spermatozoa at 1, 3, and 24 hours of incubation in capacitation media using a computer-assisted semen analysis system equipped with a hyperactivation module. Hyperactivated motility reached a peak at 1 hour and plateaued at 3 hours. The percentage of spermatozoa in seminal plasma with star-spin hyperactivated motility was significantly lower in the group showing no penetration in the SPA. The hyperactivated motility characteristics did not differ in the groups with positive or negative penetration. Correlation analysis failed to show any significant relationship between the hyperactivated motility parameters and SPA score. When the hyperactivated motility characteristics were compared in samples with normal and abnormal semen analyses, the total percentage of spermatozoa with hyperactivated motility and the percentage with star-spin at 3 hours were significantly lower in the group with abnormal semen analysis. The data indicate that lower hyperactivated motility of spermatozoa was found in patients with a score of zero for SPA and in patients with abnormal semen analysis. It was concluded that although no direct correlations were found between the results of SPA and hyperactivated motility, evaluating hyperactivated motility may still be useful as an early indicator of capacitation abnormalities of human spermatozoa not measured by SPA.

Male infertility due to asthenozoospermia and flagellar anomaly: detection in routine semen analysis.

Abstract: Summary Major monomorphous teratozoospermia, due to sperm tail structural anomalies, were detected in 42 out of 4231 infertile patients during routine semen analysis. The flagella were very short or absent in 16 cases, shortened with thickness irregularity in 18 cases, and of normal length with diameter anomalies in eight cases. These syndromes were always associated with poor forward motility, while mobility and penetration into human cervical mucus were sometimes impaired only partially. With good sperm smears and an experienced observer, the diagnosis could be made without the need for electron microscopic analysis. All the affected patients were sterile and several syndromes could have been transmitted genetically.

Testicular suspension as a method of male contraception: technique and results.

Abstract: A simple safe and reversible method of contraception was used on 28 male volunteers. The testicles were suspended in the superficial inguinal pouch close to the scrotal neck using 2 procedures--stitch and ball suspension. In the former (15 men) the testicle was suspended by stitches and in the latter (13 men) the same thing was done using ball suspension. After 1 year suspension was released. Examination of testicular size temperature and biopsy and semen as well as serum testosterone follicle stimulating hormone luteinizing hormone and prolactin were performed before and after testicular suspension and after testicular release. Sexual intercourse was practiced during both procedures; it was prohibited in the 1st 3 months of suspension. During suspension the sperm count dropped to severe oligozoospermia and pregnancy did not occur. There was significant decrease in serum testosterone with prolactin increase. Testicular biopsy showed degeneration of the seminiferous tubules. 6 months following testicular release sperm count and serum hormone levels had returned to normal. The testicular biopsy showed normal spermatogenesis and pregnancy occurred. (authors modified)

Postvasectomy Semen Analysis: Why Patients Don't Follow-Up

Abstract: Semen analysis following elective vasectomy is necessary to confirm that the procedure was successful. However, many patients fail to follow postoperative instructions to obtain semen analysis. One hundred forty-one patients who had undergone vasectomy at the Family Practice Center of the Medical College of Ohio were surveyed to assess reasons for a poor rate of follow-up after vasectomy. Only 26 percent of respondents had returned two or more semen samples following surgery. Forty-five percent had not returned any samples. The inconvenience and embarrassment of having to bring semen specimens to the laboratory were identified as factors that can affect patient adherence to instructions. Respondents who had not returned any semen specimens were more likely to answer that their spouse would not be very upset if the vasectomy failed and pregnancy resulted. Our survey results identify issues for improving patient care following vasectomy. These include patient education and postoperative protocols.

Influence of serum prolactin on semen characteristics and sperm function.

Abstract: The role of serum prolactin (sPRL) in male infertility is still unclear. For assessing the clinical significance of prolactin determination during infertility investigation, serum samples of 204 males attending the Infertility Clinic of Heidelberg were examined during a 1-year period. None of the patients exhibited galactorrhoea or complained of impotence. Results were correlated with age, duration of infertility, sperm count, motility, morphology, viability, and other parameters of routine sperm analysis and postcoital testing (PCT). Additionally, in vitro sperm penetration testing (SCMPT) in cervical mucus of partners and donors was performed as an important measure of functional sperm capacity. The subsequent pregnancy rate was determined after 6 months. Prolactin levels ranged from 1.4 to 24.7 ng/mL, with a median of 5 ng/mL. Only one patient had prolactin levels out of the normal range (greater than 20 ng/mL). No significant correlation of sPRL concentration was found with results of semen analysis, PCT outcome, or SCMPT. The functional sperm capacity was better in the groups of patients with sPRL above the median level (P less than .005). No significant difference in pregnancy rate was found between the high (greater than 5 ng/mL) and low (less than or equal to 5 ng/mL) prolactin groups; these were 20% and 26%, respectively. The results suggest that routine screening of asymptomatic male patients during infertility investigation for sPRL concentration is not helpful for assessing fertility prognosis. Prolactin should be preferentially determined in patients with clinical symptoms of hyperprolactinemia to exclude pituitary adenoma.

Effect of time interval between ejaculations on semen parameters.

Abstract: The suggested abstinence period prior to performing a semen analysis has been 2-5 days. If one allows too long of an interval between ejaculates, motility will decrease significantly. This study was designed to evaluate whether any of the semen parameters change with increasing intervals of time between ejaculates and, if so, what parameters are involved. A derived calculation total-live sperm count (product of count/milliliter x volume x percent motility) was significantly lower at 3 days than at 7-, 10-, and 14-day intervals. Sperm count and motility showed a significant decrease at 14 days as compared to 7 days but not to 3 days. There were no significant differences between motility, the hypoosmotic swelling test, velocity, linearity, motile density, or morphology (with strict criteria). The ideal abstinence interval is between 7 and 10 days not 2-3 days, and motility does not appear to significantly decrease with a long interval between ejaculates.

Indirect fertility analysis in painters exposed to ethylene glycol ethers: sensitivity and specificity.

Abstract: Semen analysis has proven useful in the clinical diagnosis of infertility and is the most widely used method of monitoring the effects of occupational exposure on male fertility. Collection and analysis of semen samples in a field setting, however, require a highly motivated population and excellent technical resources, limiting the widespread application of the method. Techniques of monitoring male worker fertility using questionnaires to avoid some of the difficulties of semen analysis have been developed. These methods compare the rate of observed births for wives of workers with expected birth rates derived either from U.S. fertility tables or from unexposed workers. The present study compares the sensitivity of this questionnaire method with that of semen analysis in an evaluation of reproductive function in men exposed to ethylene glycol ethers. The reproductive function of 74 married painters exposed to ethylene glycol ethers was compared with that of 51 married controls employed at a shipyard. The groups differed in sperm count, but the questionnaire method showed no effect of exposure on fertility. This analysis suggests that the questionnaire assessment of fertility is less sensitive than semen analysis as a screening tool for male reproductive function.

Male infertility: the focus shifts to sperm manipulation.

Abstract: Few systemic approaches for treatment of the infertile male are available. Therefore, the focus has shifted to studies of sperm maturation in the female tract, tests of sperm function, and assisted reproduction. New methods of sperm evaluation allow a better determination of those samples that will and will not fertilize ova. These methods include the strict morphology examination, biochemical approaches such as evaluation of creatine kinase levels, and the hemizona assay. Computer assisted semen analysis has not yet proved important for diagnosis but has provided important research information. For example, the drug pentoxifylline significantly increases velocity and has also been shown to enhance in vitro fertilization. The term subfertile is extensively used in the literature but its clear definition and the prognosis for subfertile men have not been established. Approaches that may increase fertilization rates include reducing the gamete culture volume and removal of cumulus oophorus. Assisted reproductive technologies for patients with ejaculatory dysfunction have also been expanded. The use of improved semen processing techniques, advanced oocyte retrieval, and well-timed intrauterine insemination are enabling physicians to use decreasing numbers of viable sperm to achieve pregnancies.

Relationship between hypoosmotic swelling test, semen analysis, and zona-free hamster ovum test.

Abstract: The hypoosmotic swelling test is a simple test for measuring the functional competence of the human sperm membrane. Fifty-four patients with idiopathic infertility were assessed by hypoosmotic swelling test and the results were compared with those of routine semen analysis and zona-free hamster ovum human sperm penetration test (ZSPT). Semen samples with abnormal semen parameters had lower percentage of swollen sperm in comparison with those with normal semen parameters. A positive correlation was observed between sperm concentration and sperm swelling (r -. 50, p <. 05). A strong positive correlation was observed between the percentage of sperm motility and the percentage of swollen sperm (r - 0.60, p <. 01), and between motile sperm concentration and sperm swelling (r -. 62, p <. 01). On the other hand, sperm swelling correlated only weakly with the percentage of sperm penetration. The results indicate that the hypoosmotic swelling test appears to evaluate different functional qualities of sperm than ZSPT.

Hypo-osmotic sperm swelling test does not assess fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa

Abstract: The hypo-osmotic sperm swelling (HOSS) test was performed on semen samples of five normospermic men from couples with prolonged infertility. Previously, the men had negative results of the zona-free hamster oocyte (ZFHO) test on two different ejaculates and the wives subsequently had become pregnant by donor insemination. A high swelling percentage (at least 60%) was found in all five men. It would appear that the HOSS test does not assess fertilizing capacity.

Adverse effect of clomiphene citrate on sperm morphology.

Abstract: The beneficial effect of clomiphene citrate (CC) in treating male infertility is controversial. To evaluate the effects of CC on sperm morphology using strict criteria, the semen analyses of 74 men were evaluated at intervals ranging from 1 to 18 months of treatment. Seventy patients receiving no medication were used as control. The patients in each category were divided into three subgroups: A (1–3 months), B (4–6 months), and C (>6 months). In the control group, there were no significant differences in percentages or total normal forms between baseline and repeat semen analysis at any interval. Treatment with CC for 1–3 months did not adversely affect percentages of normal forms. Treatment for greater than 3 months caused a highly significant decrease in percentage of normal forms. Three months of CC caused no change in the absolute number of morphologically normal sperm, but longer periods (>6 months) were associated with a significant decrease. There was significant deterioration of sperm function as ...

Method for semen analysis employing membrane separation

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the separation of seminal plasma from semen by means of a membrane. The invention also includes a method for the determination of enzymes such as acrosin and other components of semen. More specifically the membrane has a specific pore size and traps particles which can be immuno-tested.

The combined use of vibrostimulation and in vitro fertilization: successful pregnancy outcome from a retrograde specimen obtained from a spinal cord-injured male.

Abstract: While pregnancies have been documented through the independent use of the vibrator method, from other methods of procuring ejaculate from spinal cord injured men, and from artificial insemination using a retrograde specimen, we believe that this is the first case report of a live birth resulting from a retrograde ejaculate obtained by vibration from a spinal cord-injured male whose partner underwent in vitro fertilization. Vibrostimulation may well be successful in the two-thirds of men whose spinal cord lesions are at the T10 neurological level and above, who have an intact bulbocavernosus reflex and anal tone but no pain or temperature sensation of the genitalia. Blood pressure monitoring, prevention of autonomic dysreflexia, alkalinization, dilution and infection control of urine, and retrograde specimen retrieval are all important techniques to ensure patient safety and optimal ejaculates. The timing of ovulation and insemination is the crucial factor for the partner of a SCI male whose sperm quality is poor. A complete gynecological workup, including studies of tubal patency, should be done before embarking on a series of artificial inseminations. Stimulation of ovulation and well-timed inseminations should optimize the chance of conception. Depending on semen analysis, female partner factors, and emotional and financial costs, IVF can appropriately be either an early or a final option.