Showing papers on "Semen analysis published in 1996"

Deterioration of sperm quality in young healthy Belgian men.

Abstract: We have retrospectively analysed the sperm characteristics of 416 consecutive healthy young men who presented themselves in the past 19 years as candidate sperm donors. Ejaculate volume increased slightly (P = 0.067), and average sperm concentration decreased (P = 0.035) by 12.4 x 10(6)/ml over the observation period, so that sperm count per ejaculate remained unchanged (P = 0.91). In contrast, sperm morphology (r = - 0.23, P < 0.0001), rapid progressive motility (r = - 0.42, P < 0.0001) and total motility (r = - 0.33, P < 0.0001) presented an important and time-related decrease. When a quadratic model was used rather than a linear one to analyse the data on rapid progressive motility, there appeared to have been no further decline since 1990. The average proportion of spermatozoa with normal morphology decreased from 39.2% in the period 1977-1980 to 26.6% in 1990-1995 (P < 0.0001), and the mean percentage of spermatozoa with rapid progressive motility decreased from 52.7 to 31.7% (P < 0.0001). The percentage of candidate donors with sperm characteristics below the 5th percentile cut-off value of a normal fertile population increased from 13 to 54% during the observation period (P < 0.0001). Since the technique of semen analysis has remained essentially unchanged in-so-far as has been practically possible, as has the method of recruitment of candidate sperm donors, the observed deterioration of sperm characteristics is considered to reflect degeneration of sperm production among men aged between 20 and 40 years.

Semen quality of men employed at a lead smelter

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of recent and long term occupational lead exposure on indicators of male reproductive health. METHODS: In a cross sectional study of male employees of a lead smelter (n = 2469), blood samples were obtained from 152 workers including 119 who also provided semen samples. Semen analysis and serum concentrations of testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinising hormone were used as indicators of reproductive health. Semen and hormone variables were examined in relation to measures of current and long term body lead burden estimated from current blood lead concentrations and historical blood lead monitoring data. RESULTS: For current blood lead concentration groups of 40 micrograms/dl, the geometric mean sperm concentrations were, respectively, 79.1, 56.5, 62.7, and 44.4 million cells/ml and geometric mean total sperm counts were 186, 153, 137, and 89 million cells (P for trend 0.04). Compared with workers with blood lead concentrations less than 15 micrograms/dl, workers with current blood lead concentrations of 40 micrograms/dl or more had an increased risk of below normal sperm concentration (odds ratio (OR) 8.2, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.2-57.9) and total sperm count (OR 2.6, 95% CI 0.4-15.7), based on World Health Organisation standards. Independent of current lead exposure, sperm concentration, total sperm count, and total motile sperm count were inversely related to measures of long term lead exposure. No association was found between lead exposure and measures of sperm motility, sperm morphology, or serum concentrations of reproductive hormones. CONCLUSIONS: Blood lead concentrations below the currently accepted worker protection criteria seem to adversely affect spermatogenesis.

Identifying environmental risk to male reproductive function by occupational sperm studies: logistics and design options.

Abstract: Malfunction of the male reproductive system might be a sensitive marker of environmental hazards, the effects of which may extend beyond reproductive function. The testis is more vulnerable to heat and ionising radiation than any other organ of the body and several xenobiotics are known to disrupt spermatogenesis after low level exposure. Studies of environmental impact on human health are often most informative and accurate when carried out in the workplace where exposures can be high and easy to document. Semen analysis provides readily obtainable information on testicular function. The main advantages in comparison with functional measures such as fertility rates and time taken to conceive are the possibilities to examine men independently of marriage and pregnancy, to find changes of fecundity with different exposures within the same person and to detect adverse effects when no alteration of fertility is yet taking place. In the implementation of an occupational sperm study considerable attention must be paid to logistic issues. A mobile laboratory unit for initial semen preparation and processing may in some situations increase worker compliance and the quality of sperm cell motility. The cross sectional design which has been used in almost all male reproductive studies so far has several severe limitations including selection bias because of differential participation, difficulties in defining a suitable reference group, and lack of information about the time dimension of the cause-effect relation. The longitudinal design deals adequately with most of these constraints. Semen samples are collected before, during, and possibly after exposure to the risk factor of interest and causal inferences are based upon change of semen variables within a man over time rather than upon differences between men. The logistics of the longitudinal study may benefit from pre-employment health examinations to enrol newly hired workers and require fewer participants to obtain comparable statistical power. In conclusion, andrological methods and epidemiological designs are available for the implementation of valid studies concerned with environmental impact on human testicular function. Occupational sperm studies should probably not be the first choice when the objective is initial screening of environmental impact on fertility but should be implemented when their is a need to corroborate or refuse earlier evidence that specific exposures have impact on testicular function.

Semen analysis in HIV seropositive men and in subjects at high risk for HIV infection.

Abstract: The main purpose of this research was (i) to perform a comparative study of sperm parameters in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive and high risk subjects in order to identify any possible alterations in the semen which specifically result from HIV infection and (ii) to study the p24 antigen as an early diagnostic marker of infection in high risk subjects. HIV seropositive subjects showed no significant variations regarding sperm densities, motility and viscosity compared to high risk subjects and controls. On the other hand, these HIV seropositive subjects showed (a) a significantly higher percentage of cytoplasmic droplet forms and immature germ cells, perhaps caused by an early failure of epididymal function and/or by a condition of stress affecting spermatogenesis after HIV infection and (b) a significantly higher level of spermiophage cells, suggesting that HIV activates mechanisms that increase spermiophagy. In addition, HIV seropositive men showed a significant positive correlation between blood CD4+ and sperm motility as well as a significant inverse correlation between CD4+ and sperm abnormalities. This is perhaps due to a decrease in testosteronaemia leading to defective epididymal sperm maturation. To date, p24 has not been found in the serum or seminal plasma of high risk subjects. The longitudinal study in progress should provide further information on this point.

Vaginal lubricants for the infertile couple: effect on sperm activity.

Abstract: Objective To determine the effects of natural vegetable oils and vaginal lubricants on sperm motion and viability. Design Four widely used vaginal lubricants (K-Y Jelly, Astroglide, Replens, and Touch) and two vegetable oil products that have been used as vaginal lubricants were purchased through local vendors. Sperm was obtained by masturbation without lubrication from normal, healthy donors. Lubricants were mixed with sperm from individual donors and the effects on sperm motility were determined at 1, 15, 30, and 60 minutes. Setting Southwestern Fertility Associates of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Main outcome measures Sperm motility was evaluated by manual motility counts and by computer-assisted semen analysis. Sperm viability was evaluated with Hoechst 33258 dye. The effects of the various lubricants were compared with those of a spermicidal agent, Gynol II (negative control) and Ham's F-10 (positive control). Results Commercial lubricants inhibited sperm motility by 60-100% after 60 minutes of incubation. Sperm exposed to Replens or Astroglide were nonmotile and nonviable after incubation for 60 minutes, similar to the control, nonoxynol-9 containing product Gynol II. Canola oil had no detrimental effects and was indistinguishable from Ham's F-10 in terms of sperm viability and motility. Conclusions For couples with infertility, the use of vaginal lubricants during intercourse is not recommended. In cases where a lubricant is required, careful selection can maximize sperm motility and viability.

Evaluation of Computer‐Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) With IDENT Stain to Determine Sperm Concentration

Abstract: This study was undertaken to compare a new fluorescent stain-based computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system (IDENT) for determining human sperm concentration to the manual hemacytometric method and to conventional CASA (CASA-CONV). Normal healthy semen donors as well as patients provided samples that were evaluated for sperm concentration with the CASA-IDENT method, the hemacytometer method, and CASA-CONV. Each field was examined visually to determine the sources of overcounting and undercounting for the two CASA methods. Four ranges of sperm concentration were examined: 0-10, > 10-30, > 30-100, and > 100 x 10(6)/ml. The main outcome measures were sperm concentration, debris counted as sperm, and missed sperm. Our results showed that significantly more debris was counted as sperm and more sperm were missed with CASA-CONV than CASA-IDENT. As the sperm density increased, so did the number of counting errors for the CASA-CONV system. The error rate was much greater using CASA-CONV (12.1 +/- 42.2%) than with CASA-IDENT (0.4 +/- 0.7%) when compared to hemacytometer counts (P = 0.068). We conclude that the CASA-IDENT method of sperm counting is highly accurate and less time-consuming when compared to the hemacytometer method. There are significant differences in the amount of debris counted as sperm and number of missed sperm between CASA-CONV and CASA-IDENT with varying sperm density. With both parameters, the counts are more accurate using the CASA-IDENT method.

The Influence of Semen Analysis Parameters on the Fertility Potential of Infertile Couples

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between couples' fertility potential and several parameters of semen analysis (from a single semen sample/male partner) in a cohort of 1,055 infertile couples seen at the Texas Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology for a total of 9,409 follow-up months. The medians of sperm concentrations (SC), total sperm counts (TSC), percent motility (MOT), motile sperm concentrations (MSC), and total motile sperm counts (TMSC) were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in the group that achieved pregnancy. When the entire group was divided into “high” and “low” groups on the basis of the various parameters of semen analysis, the relative risk ratios for conception for the “high” groups were as follows: SC, 1.5; MOT, 8.5; TSC, 8.1; MSC, 5.8; and TMSC, 6.1. Life table analysis showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001) in the initial rise and overall slope of the conception rates between the two groups for a number of the semen analysis parameters (TSC, MOT, MSC, and TMSC). This study showed that certain semen analysis parameters are positively correlated, with a high degree of statistical probability, with the time required for the occurrence of conception. The quantitative impact of the male fertility potential on conception rates was shown to correlate not solely with the SC or MOT values, but even more so with their derivatives (i.e., MSC and TMSC). Therefore, in an in vivo environment it is not only the number of sperm and their motility but also their derivatives that provide a quantitative insight into the male fertility potential. The data may provide a quantitative expression of the relative risk ratio for conception to occur and the time required until conception is achieved. Further studies will be necessary to clarify the effect of the other semen analysis parameters (i.e., morphology, velocity, linearity, and “efficient” MSC) on conception rates, cumulative conception rates, relative risk ratio for conception, and time until conception in a large population of infertile couples.

Semen parameters and sperm morphology in men in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion, before and during a 3 year follow-up period

Abstract: To investigate the role of the 'male factor' in the pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), especially sperm morphology abnormalities, 120 previously selected couples with unexplained RSA were studied for sperm parameters retrospectively and prospectively. The patients were subdivided into three subgroups, depending on their reproductive outcome during the 3 years of follow-up study : (i) 48 RSA couples who achieved a successful pregnancy ; (ii) 39 RSA couples who experienced further abortions ; and (iii) 33 RSA couples who experienced infertility during the follow-up period. A semen analysis was performed twice at the time of inclusion in the study, and twice again during the 3 year follow-up period. No significant differences in semen parameters were observed between the RSA males and fertile controls. Instead, significant differences were observed between the group of RSA couples who experienced infertility during the follow-up and the other two groups (RSA couples who achieved successful pregnancy and RSA couples who experienced miscarriages and no live birth during the follow-up) for sperm concentration (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01 respectively), sperm motility (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01 respectively) and sperm morphology abnormalities (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01 respectively). Sperm morphology abnormalities do not seem to be involved in determining RSA ; instead, they are an aetiological factor in determining infertility in patients, along with the other semen parameters, in the RSA couple's subsequent reproductive life. Semen analysis is an important test in the clinical management of RSA couples.

A prospective study on the predictive value of normal sperm morphology as evaluated by computer (IVOS

Abstract: Sampling conditions that affect the biological validity of computer-assisted analysis of ram sperm motion were examined using a continuous real-time computerized semen analysis system (Hobson Sperm Tracker). Search radius (SR, 10 settings) and minimum track point (MTP, 10 settings) were varied factorially to evaluate their effects on the inclusion of sperm subpopulations within derived datasets. Low SR ( 26 frames) precluded measurements of rapidly moving cells, whereas high SR (> 17 microns) and low MTP settings (< 22 frames) led to erroneous tracking and poor data quality. Suitable settings for these set-up parameters were derived and tested for their biological consistency with four methods of preparing ram semen for computerized analysis. The preparation techniques tested were: centrifugation through sucrose-based Ficoll and Percoll media, a swim-up technique and simple dilution in Tyrode's media. The 'selective' Percoll and swim-up methods generated sperm populations with significantly higher linear velocities and a lower tendency to deviate from linear trajectories than from either the Ficoll method or dilution technique. Deleterious effects of centrifugation were evident, particularly on sperm survival in vitro over several hours. It is concluded that computer-assisted semen analysis provides useful information about the behaviour of ram spermatozoa in vitro, but the measurement conditions must be defined carefully.

Optimization of a continuous real-time computerized semen analysis system for ram sperm motility assessment, and evaluation of four methods of semen preparation.

Abstract: Sampling conditions that affect the biological validity of computer-assisted analysis of ram sperm motion were examined using a continuous real-time computerized semen analysis system (Hobson Sperm Tracker). Search radius (SR, 10 settings) and minimum track point (MTP, 10 settings) were varied factorially to evaluate their effects on the inclusion of sperm subpopulations within derived datasets. Low SR ( 26 frames) precluded measurements of rapidly moving cells, whereas high SR (> 17 microns) and low MTP settings (< 22 frames) led to erroneous tracking and poor data quality. Suitable settings for these set-up parameters were derived and tested for their biological consistency with four methods of preparing ram semen for computerized analysis. The preparation techniques tested were: centrifugation through sucrose-based Ficoll and Percoll media, a swim-up technique and simple dilution in Tyrode's media. The 'selective' Percoll and swim-up methods generated sperm populations with significantly higher linear velocities and a lower tendency to deviate from linear trajectories than from either the Ficoll method or dilution technique. Deleterious effects of centrifugation were evident, particularly on sperm survival in vitro over several hours. It is concluded that computer-assisted semen analysis provides useful information about the behaviour of ram spermatozoa in vitro, but the measurement conditions must be defined carefully.

The Acridine Orange test: a clinically relevant screening method for sperm quality during infertility investigation?

Abstract: To determine the clinical usefulness of Acridine Orange (AO) staining of spermatozoa as a screening test for the evaluation of semen quality during basic infertility investigation, semen smears from 103 randomly chosen males of subfertile couples were examined. The median duration of infertility was 4.5 years (range 1-15) and the median age was 33 years (range 21-43). The outcome of AO staining ranged from 5 to 81%, with a median of 24%, green fluorescent spermatozoa. Results were not significantly related to the parameters of semen analysis (sperm count, motility, standard morphology, viability, pH and volume, as well as fructose concentration and number of found cells) or to local sperm antibody testing and semen cultures. Fluorescence after AO staining was also not related to sperm functional capacity (evaluated using sperm-mucus interaction tests in vitro and in vivo), or the medical history of the patient. No significant differences in the AO test outcome were seen in patients with explained and unexplained infertility, or with regard to subsequent fertility [with a median value of 21% (range 5-46) green fluorescence in the fertile group, compared with a median value of 28% (range 9-81) green fluorescence in the other men]. The results of this prospective study indicate that under the usual conditions of conception, the AO test is not clinically useful as a screening procedure to determine semen quality during basic infertility investigation.

Evaluation of the effect of the absence of sperm with rapid and linear progressive motility on subsequent pregnancy rates following intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the association of rapid and linear progressive motility in seminal and Percoll-separated sperm with the outcome of intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Motility was graded using the qualitative system proposed by the World Health Organization: grade A, rapid and linear, grade B, slow or nonlinear; grade C, non-progressive; or grade D, nonmotile. Absence of rapid and linear motility was defined as grade A sperm absent. Nine-hundred-fifty IVF and 1,448 IUI cycles were analyzed. In 7.9% (75) of the IVF cycles, grade A sperm were absent in the semen. Although the mean fertilization rate was lower in the absence of grade A sperm in the semen (44.5% vs. 63.4%, P < 0.05), the pregnancy rates were similar irrespective of their presence or absence (18.7% vs. 17.8%). In the cycles in which grade A sperm were absent following Percoll separation (26/950; 2.7%), the fertilization rate (29% vs. 62.8%) and the clinical pregnancy rate/retrieval were significantly lower (3.8% vs. 18.3%, P < 0.05). In 26.4% (382) of the IUI cycles, grade A sperm were absent in the semen and conception occurred in 30 (7.9%), compared to a pregnancy rate of 10.4% in the group with grade A sperm present in the semen. Following Percoll separation, only a 2.5% (2/80) pregnancy rate was observed in the group with no grade A sperm, compared to 10.2% in the group with grade A sperm (P < 0.05). The absence of rapid and linear motile sperm in the Percoll-separated sperm significantly reduced fertilization rates in vitro and pregnancy rates in both IUI and IVF cycles. The use of the total number of grade A sperm was also effective in predicting reduced fertilization in IVF and reduced pregnancy rates in IUI, but no better than the use of the mere presence/absence of grade A sperm. In a clinical situation, the simpler test is preferable. This type of evaluation is available to all centers as opposed to the more expensive computer-assisted semen analysis.

Assessment of sperm motion characteristics in infertile renal transplant recipients using computerized analysis.

Abstract: Summary A total of 34 kidney transplant recipients (18 infertile and 16 fertile) and 31 non-transplant persons (15 infertile and 16 fertile) were included in this study. All subjects were assessed clinically and by measurement of basal concentrations of total testosterone, FSH, cyclosporine whole blood trough levels, serum creatinine, haemoglobin and semen analysis using computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) as well as scrotal ultrasonography to evaluate testicular dimensions. Our results demonstrate a significant decrease (p 0.05) between fertile and infertile transplant recipients. Both sperm concentration and VSL were inversely correlated to the cyclosporine whole blood trough levels (p<0.05). The time spent on haemodialysis was inversely correlated (p<0.05) with the percentage of motile spermatozoa and the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH). In conclusion, CASA is valuable in evaluation of sperm motility in infertile renal transplant patients. Stabilization of the cyclosporine whole blood trough level within the target therapeutic level and correction of anaemia (if any) could improve the fertility potential in kidney transplant recipients.

Characterization of human sperm antigens reacting with sperm antibodies from autologous serum and seminal plasma in an infertile population.

Abstract: Immunoblotting techniques were used to characterize the reactivity of human sperm antigens with sperm antibodies from an infertile population. Sperm antigens of each individual were tested with autologous sperm antibodies present in serum and seminal plasma in order to construct a preliminary map of the antigens of the infertile spermatozoon and to compare the qualitative differences in the antigenic profile between fertile and infertile subjects. A total of 61 infertile males, comprising 51 subjects having poor semen quality and 10 subjects with no abnormalities in semen analysis, entered the study; 55 subjects with proven fertility served as controls. Infertile subjects often showed specific immunoreactivity to 50-, 55-, 57-, 62-, and 72kDa proteins in serum and to 57- and 62-kDa proteins in seminal plasma. As to comparison of immunoreactivities between fertile and infertile individuals, the sperm antigens may be divided into three groups. Group 1 antigens (50-, 69-, and 72-kDa proteins) were recognized by sperm antibodies present in both populations; group 2 antigens (57- and 62-kDa proteins), by sperm antibodies typical of the infertile population; group 3 antigens (45-, 55-, and 85-kDa proteins), by sperm antibodies typical of the fertile population. This classification shows that the infertile spermatozoon differs substantially at the immunogenic level from the fertile spermatozoon. The group 2 antigens seem to be involved in a relevant step in the reproductive process and hence have been termed "fertility-related antigens."