Men Attending Infertility Clinics Research Articles

Hyperlipidemia Is Not Related to Semen Quality, but to Serum Testosterone Levels

Background. Currently, there are few studies on the effects of hyperlipidemia on semen parameters and serum hormones in men. In this study, we divided the study subjects into two groups of normal and hyperlipidemia according to the criteria, and observed the differences between semen parameters and serum reproductive hormones in hyperlipidaemic men and normal men, to explore the potential associations between the indicators. Materials and Methods. Eight hundred eighty five men attending infertility clinics in six hospitals from September 2016 to June 2017 were selected. Their lipid levels, semen parameters, and serum reproductive hormone levels were tested, and a total of 480 men with normal lipids and 405 men with hyperlipidemia were selected according to the criteria, and the relationship between semen quality, serum reproductive hormones, lipids and semen parameters, and serum hormones was statistically analyzed. Results. There was no significant difference in semen parameters between hyperlipidaemic men and normal men (P >0.05), serum testosterone levels were significantly lower in hyperlipidaemic men (P <0.05), and there was a negative correlation between triglycerides (TG) and testosterone in the blood (P <0.05).Conclusion. Hyperlipidemia does not affect male semen parameters, and changes in testosterone in hyperlipidaemic men may be related to triglycerides.

Association between dietary total antioxidant capacity and semen quality among men attending an infertility clinic: a cross-sectional study.

Is dietary non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity related to semen quality? The only statistically significant association of semen quality parameters with dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) detected was an inverse association between DTAC and ejaculate volume. Growing interest exists regarding the role of diet in influencing semen quality. While DTAC is linked to favorable health outcomes, its association with semen quality, especially among men attending infertility clinics, remains understudied. This cross-sectional study was carried out between June and December of 2020. In total, 1715 participants were included in the final analysis. Men who attended an infertility clinic in China were enrolled. Experienced clinical technicians performed the semen analysis. The DTAC indices included the ferric-reducing ability of plasma, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, total reactive antioxidant potential, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity. The quantile regression model was used for multivariate analysis. After adjustment for a variety of confounding variables, a significant inverse association was identified between DTAC and ejaculate volume (βcontinuous FRAP = -0.015, 95% CI = -0.023, -0.006, βT3 vs T1 = -0.193, 95% CI = -0.379, -0.006, Ptrend = 0.007; βcontinuous TRAP = -0.019, 95% CI = -0.041, 0.002, βT3 vs T1 = -0.291, 95% CI = -0.469, -0.112, Ptrend = 0.002). The majority of DTAC indices have no statistically significant association with semen quality parameters. We cannot infer causality because of the nature of the cross-sectional study design. The robustness of the conclusion may be compromised by the exactness of non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity estimation. Our findings demonstrated no association between DTAC indices and semen quality parameters among men attending an infertility clinic, except for ejaculate volume. Even though our findings are mostly non-significant, they contribute novel knowledge to the field of study while also laying the groundwork for future well-designed studies. This work was supported by the JieBangGuaShuai Project of Liaoning Province [grant number 2021JH1/10400050], the Clinical Research Cultivation Project of Shengjing Hospital [grant number M1590], and the Outstanding Scientific Fund of Shengjing Hospital [grant number M1150]. The sponsors had no role in study design, or in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, or in the writing of the report, or in the decision to submit the article for publication. There are no conflicts of interest to declare. N/A.

Evaluation of the effect of shift working and sleep quality on semen parameters in men attending infertility clinic.

We aimed to evaluate the effect of shift work on semen parameters together with the effect of sleep quality in men attending infertility clinic. The participants were divided into two groups as follows: 104 shift worker men (Group 1) and 116 nonshift worker men (Group 2). Groups were compared in terms of semen parameters, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores. A higher rate of oligozoospermia and poor sleep quality and a lower mean normal morphology percentage was observed in shift workers than nonshift workers (p=.006, .039 and .036 respectively). In addition, a positive correlation was seen between sleep duration and sperm concentration, while a negative correlation was found between sleep latency and total sperm count. Shift working together with high PSQI score was also a significant association with oligozoospermia when controlling for the other variables of age, total testosterone, DASS-21 stress score, smoking and varicocele (OR=2.11, 95% CI 1.03-4.34 and OR=1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.39 respectively). In this study, infertile shift workers had a lower percentage of normal morphology and higher rates of oligozoospermia and poor sleep quality. Considering that shift workers have lower sleep quality, it seems that shift working negatively affects the circadian rhythm.

Clinical Presentations and Semen Characteristics of Men Attending the Secondary Referral Infertility Clinic at Mumbai, India.

Background:Limited information is available on the aetiology and semen profiles of male infertility in Indian population.Aim:The aim of this study is to study the clinical and semen characteristics of men attending the infertility clinic and also to understand the impact of World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 reference values on the diagnosis of male infertility.Setting and Design:A retrospective study evaluating the medical case records (January 2005 to December 2015, [n = 1906]) of men attending infertility clinic in Mumbai, India.Materials and Methods:The aetiology was classified based on the andrology evaluation and other investigations. Semen profiles were compared during the years 2005–2010 and 2011–2015 using WHO 1999 and WHO 2010 criteria, respectively.Statistical Analysis:The Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests were performed using Open Source Epidemiological software and Social science calculators.Results:The aetiology of male infertility was determined in 62% of the men; while the cause remained undetermined in 38%. Varicocele (25%), urogenital infections (10%), sexual dysfunctions (8%) and vas aplasia (8%) were identified as major aetiologies in our cohort. Men with sexual dysfunctions and vas aplasia were significantly higher during the years 2011–2015 as compared to 2005–2010. Men having normozoospermia (10%) and azoospermia (3%) were increased, whereas those having oligoasthenozoospermia (17%) were reduced in 2011–2015 as compared to 2005–2010. According to WHO 1999 criteria , 12-15% of men showed abnormal semen profiles. The semen parameters of these men became normal on using WHO 2010 reference values.Conclusions:Varicocele is the most common aetiology in infertile men. Idiopathic infertility was seen in a higher proportion among the infertile men.

Relationships between the age of 25,445 men attending infertility clinics and sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA®) defined sperm DNA and chromatin integrity

To determine relationships between age of men with potential male factor infertility and sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) measures of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and high DNA stainable sperm (HDS), and to compare these data with those obtained from healthy donor men without reproductive issues. Retrospective study. Infertility clinics and diagnostic laboratory. A total of 25,445 men attending infertility clinics. Donors were 87 men working at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. None. SCSA measures (% DNA fragmentation index (DFI), X DFI, SD DFI, and %HDS) of men aged 21-80 years. In the study population, advancing paternal age was associated with increased sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) scored as increased percentage of sperm in semen ejaculates with measurable DNA strand breaks (%DFI). The slope of increase in %DFI prior to age 41.6 years was 0.39, which increased after age 41.6 to more than double at a slope of 0.86. These changes in DNA/chromatin in more than 25,000 aging men attending infertility clinics are similar to those seen over the same age span (20-80 years) in 87 nonpatient, healthy men without reproductive issues. For the age group 20-50 years, there was no major significant difference in %DFI between patients and donor men. According to a logistic regression model, the estimated probability is that, for example, a 40-year-old and a 50-year-old man have a 20% and 40% chance, respectively, to have a pathological DFI ≥25% by age factor alone. The condensation of sperm chromatin in patients increased with age in a linear fashion, from a mean of 12.2 %HDS at age 20-25 to a mean of 7.9 %HDS at age 60-65. Patients had a greater %HDS than donors across all ages. The great heterogeneity of both DFI and HDS values at a specific age prevents the automatic translation of age into an index of DNA fragmentation. However, it reinforces the idea that both DFI and HDS evaluation can play a role in detecting potential male infertility in cases that are not resolved by routine testing and in cases of multiple miscarriages. DFI and HDS data can help clinicians to predict a man's fertility potential, to consider corrective therapeutic approaches, as well as to assess the risk to the offspring's health.

Sugar-sweetened beverage intake in relation to semen quality in infertile couples − a prospective observational study

Aims: This cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate effect of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) on semen parameters in infertile couples. Setting: Men attending infertility clinic. Design: prospective, observational study. Methods and material: Participants were assessed the type and frequency of SSB intake in the past month by a previously validated beverage intake questionnaire (BEVQ-15) and provided one semen sample for analysis. The primary outcome were semen parameters; namely volume (in mL), total sperm count (in millions/ejaculate), sperm concentration (in million/mL), sperm motility% (PRM+NPM+IM), progressive motility% (PRM), vitality% and sperm morphology% (per 200 spermatozoa). The main independent variable was SSB intake. Statistical analysis: Multiple linear regression models were used to predict semen parameters based on SSB intake and potential confounders, compared across quartiles using Kruskal-Wallis test. Non-linearity was examined by fitting models with linear and quadratic terms. Results: 385 men were included in the study. A significant decline in crude sperm motility% (P<0.001), progressive motility% (P<0.001), vitality% (P=0.017) and normal sperm morphology (P=0.006) with increasing SSB intake was found, along with a significant decline in volume and sperm concentration in the adjusted model (P<0.05). Significant decrease was noted in sperm motility and progressive motility percentages in both lean (BMI <25) and overweight and obese men (BMI ≥25) with increasing SSB intake. However, in presence of other potential confounders, SSBs lost its impact on semen parameters in the linear and quadratic fitted models, possibly due to interdependence of the confounders. Conclusion: Intake of SSBs negatively affect sperm parameters, except total sperm counts. But with other stronger confounders, its impact needs to further evaluated in larger populations of men.

Relationships between age of 25k men attending infertility clinics and SCSA test data on sperm DNA fragmentation (%DFI) and high DNA stainable (%HDS) sperm

To determine statistical correlations between age of 25K men attending infertility clinics and SCSA measures of sperm DNA fragmentation (DFI) and High DNA Stainable Sperm (HDS). Semen samples sent from infertility clinics and individuals signing consent forms from January 2007 to November 2017 were measured by the SCSA test and statistically analyzed. Following liquefaction, aliquots of semen were transferred to cryotubes, flash frozen in LN2 and shipped to SCSA Diagnostics, Inc in LN2 shippers or dry ice boxes by Federal Express Inc. Individual thawed samples were independently measured twice by the SCSA test protocol. The raw data were processed through SCSAsoft software to produce a clinical report. In brief, at ages 20-25, 40-45, 60-65, the mean [min, max] for DFI, SD DFI and HDS were as seen in Table 1. The percent of men with mean %DFI > 20%, >25% and >50% is 30%, 20%, and 3%, respectively. An estimate for the change point in slope of age vs. %DFI is age 41.6 with a 95% confidence interval of (40.4, 42.8). The slope before age 41.6 was estimated to be 0.39 and after age 41.6 was 0.86. An estimate for the change point in slope of age vs. SD DFI was age 40.0 with a 95% confidence interval of (36.7, 43.0). The slope before age 40.0 was estimated to be 1.51 and after age 40.0 was 2.22. According to logistic regression model, the estimated probability that the mean DFI >20% for ages 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 were 0.10, 0.13, 0.18, 0.24, 0.33. 0.42 and 0.52 respectively; e.g., a 40-year-old man has a 1/3 mean chance to have >20% DFI by age factor alone. From loess smooth, the relationship of %HDS with age is observed to be linear with an estimated slope of -0.137 (SE = 0.0062). These SCSA test data clearly show a strong relationship between age of men attending an infertility clinic and sperm DNA fragmentation. Previous studies suggest that the SCSA test has three clinical thresholds for %DFI: 1) >20% DFI (30% of men at this level) for beginning of loss of fertility potential, especially if one or more classical semen parameters are present, 2) >25% DFI (20% of men) for natural and IUI fertilization, and 3) >40% DFI for low probability of success for IVF/ICSI fertilization. Idiopathic couples, especially those above age 41.6, as shown here, even with the man having all normal semen parameters, would be strongly advised to determine their SCSA test values and seek counsel as to a plan that increases chance of pregnancy.Tabled 1At ages 20-25, 40-45, 60-65, the Mean [min,max] for %DFI, %HDS.AGE%DFISD DFI%HDS20-2512.9 [1.0-96.0]150.2 [38.3, 315.5]12.2 [2.0, 59.0]40-4522.0 [2.0, 97.0]183.4 [49.3, 335.6]9.6 [0.0, 69.0]60-6540.0 [7.0, 82.0]222.1 [89.0, 318.2]7.9 [1.0, 71.0] Open table in a new tab

Relationships between age of 25k men attending infertility clinics and SCSA test data on sperm DNA fragmentation (%DFI) and high DNA stainable (%HDS) sperm

The purpose of this study was to determine statistical correlations of age of men with potential male factor infertility and SCSA measures of sperm DNA fragmentation (DFI) and High DNA Stainable Sperm (HDS) in 25K clinical semen samples.

The effect of cell phone usage on semen quality and fertility among Jordanian males

Abstract Background and objective Cell phones emit radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation are prejudicial to human fertility. The objective was to study the effect of cell phone usage on semen quality and men's fertility. Materials and methods A cross-sectional observational study conducted on 159 men attending infertility clinics at North, Middle and South Governorates in Jordan and undergoing infertility evaluation were divided into two groups according to their active cell phone use: group A: ≤1 h/day and group B: >1 h/day. No interventions were given to patients and semen samples were collected by masturbation in a sterile container after an abstinence period of 5 days. The main outcome measures were sperm volume, liquefaction time, pH, viscosity, count, motility and morphology. Results There were no statistical significance differences (p > 0.05) between both groups regarding sperm quality parameters according to cell phone use, but there were statistical differences in the frequencies of sperm concentration, volume, viscosity, liquefaction time and means of immotile sperms and abnormal morphology. In addition, time spend on watching television and using wireless phones were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with decreasing mean percentages of normal morphology. The distance from telecommunication tower was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with decreasing sperms volume. Meanwhile, the time spend on sending or receiving messages was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with decreasing sperms count and carrying mobile phone in trouser pocket was significantly associated with increasing means of immotile sperms. Conclusion Cell phone use might have a negative effect on semen quality parameters and further research is needed.

Oxidative stress status and sperm DNA fragmentation in fertile and infertile men.

Evidence suggests that disturbing the balance between reactive oxygen species levels and antioxidant contents in seminal plasma leads to oxidative stress resulting in male infertility. This study was carried out to identifying clinical significance of seminal oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation in treatment strategies of male infertility in southwest Iran. Sperm parameters, lipid peroxidation and activity of antioxidant enzymes were assessed in fertile (n=105) and infertile (n=112) men. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in seminal plasma were found to be higher significantly (p<.001) in patients. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in seminal plasma were significantly (p<.001) lower in infertile men. Significant negative correlations were observed between MDA levels and sperm motility and normal morphology. Spermatozoa with fragmented DNA were higher (p<.001) in infertile men and significantly correlated with MDA levels and SOD and GPx activities. MDA of 4.2nmol/ml, SOD of 4.89U/ml and GPx of 329.6mU/ml were optimum cut-off limits to discriminate infertile patients from fertile men. The results show the leading role of oxidative stress in aetiology of male infertility in southwest Iran and indicate that evaluation of seminal antioxidant status and DNA integrity can be helpful in men attending infertility clinics during fertility assessment.

A 5-year analysis of semen parameters in Saudi Arabian men attending infertility clinics.

ObjectiveTo evaluate semen parameters in infertile Saudi Arabian men.MethodsIn this retrospective study, semen analysis and other clinical data were extracted from medical records of men attending an infertility clinic. Patients were stratified according to smoking status and presence or absence of varicocele.ResultsThe study included 425 patients. Nonsmokers (n = 322) had significantly higher serum testosterone and sperm motility than smokers (n = 194). Serum testosterone, semen volume, motility, morphology, sperm/ejaculation and sperm count were significantly higher in patients without varicocele (n = 328) than in those with varicocele (n = 188).ConclusionsIn this study, smoking and the presence of varicocele had negative effects on semen parameters in infertile men.

Bacteriospermia and Its Impact on Basic Semen Parameters among Infertile Men.

Introduction. Semen analysis is considered as the surrogate marker for male fecundity while assessing infertile men. There are several reasons for altered semen quality and bacteriospermia could be one among them. Thereby the aim of our work is to study the semen culture and its impact on semen parameters among infertile men. Materials and Methods. Semen samples were collected from men attending infertility clinic. Semen parameters were analysed based on WHO guidelines. Also, samples were subjected to culture using standard bacteriological techniques. Results. A total of 85 samples were collected. A number of 47 (55.30%) had normal sperm count, 37 (43.50%) had oligozoospermia, and one (1.17%) had azoospermia. Teratozoospermia was the most common abnormality observed (81.17%) followed by asthenozoospermia (28.23%). The prevalence of bacteriospermia was 35.3%. Enterococcus faecalis (30%) was the most common organism isolated followed by Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (23.33%), Staphylococcus aureus (20%), and E. coli (10%). Other less frequently isolated organisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.66%), Proteus sp. (6.66%), and Citrobacter sp. (3.33%). Conclusion. The presence of asymptomatic bacteriospermia did not correlate with abnormal semen parameters.

Хромосомні аномалії у чоловіків із різним ступенем порушення сперматогенезу

Chromosomal abnormalities are among the most common genetic causes of spermatogenic disruptions. Carriers of chromosomal abnormalities are at increased risk of infertility, miscarriage or birth of a child with unbalanced karyotype due to the production of unbalanced gametes. The natural selection against chromosomally abnormal sperm usually prevents fertilization with sperm barring in cases of serious chromosomal abnormalities. However, assisted reproductive technologies in general and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in particular, enable the transmission of chromosomal abnormalities to the progeny. Therefore, cytogenetic studies are important in patients with male factor infertility before assisted reproduction treatment. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the types and frequencies of chromosomal abnormalities in 724 patients with infertility and to estimate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities detection in subgroups of patients depending on the severity of spermatogenic disruption, aiming at identifying groups of patients in need of cytogenetic studies. Karyotype analysis was performed in 724 blood samples of men attending infertility clinic. Chromosomal preparation was performed by standard techniques. At least 20 GTG-banded metaphase plates with the resolution from 450 to 750 bands per haploid set were analysed in each case. When chromosomal mosaicism was suspected, this number was increased to 50. Abnormal karyotypes were observed in 48 (6.6%) patients, including 67% of autosomal abnormalities and 33% of gonosomal abnormalities. Autosomal abnormalities were represented by structural rearrangements. Reciprocal translocations were the most common type of structural chromosomal abnormalities in the studied group, detected with the frequency of 2.6% (n = 19), followed by Robertsonian translocation, observed with the frequency of 1.2% (n = 9). The frequency of inversions was 0.6% (n = 4). Gonosomal abnormalities included 14 cases of sex chromosome aneuploidy and 2 cases of terminal deletion of Y chromosome. Klinefelter syndrome was detected in 67% of patients with azoospermia. A significant increase in the frequency of numerical chromosomal abnormalities was observed in a group of patients with azoospermia (P &lt; 0.001). No differences were detected in the frequency of structural abnormalities in subgroups of patients. An increase in the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities with the decrease of sperm count was observed. Chromosomal abnormalities were detected with frequency 1.1% in a group of patients with normospermia, 1.9% in a group of patients with asthenozoospermia, 4.3% in patients with asthenoteratozoospermia, 6.5% in patients with oligoasthenozoospermia, 11.6% in patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and 35% in a group of patients with azoospermia. Significant increase of the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities was detected in subgroups of patients with azoospermia (P &lt; 0.001) and oligozoospermia (P = 0.001) as compared to patients with normozoospermia. These results are considered to be criteria for selection of patients in need of cytogenetic studies before in vitro fertilization cycles because of the highest risk of chromosomal abnormalities detection.

Seminal Fluid Characteristics of Men Attending Infertility Clinic of a Teaching Hospital

The semen quality of 479 men in infertile marriages, who attended the infertility clinic of OOUTH, Sagamu between May 2004 and April 2009 were analyzed. The semen samples were physically examined, microscopically analyzed and aerobically cultured. The result showed that out of 51.5% oligospermic cases recorded, 39.8% could be classified severe. Cryptozoospermia were diagnosed in 72 (15%) cases. Bacteriospermia and Necrozoospermia were found in 149 and 6 cases respectively. The predominant organism isolated was Staphylococcus aureus (50.32%) while Neisseria gonorrhoea was isolated in only 2 cases. Highest infection of 62.4% was noticed among the group with 1% - 19% motility. From the studied population, 8.8% were azoospermic. The commonest morphological defects were pin and ragged heads (48%). It is therefore obvious that the assessment of semen quality remains one of the important steps in infertility interventions.

Correlations between Different Heavy Metals in Diverse Body Fluids: Studies of Human Semen Quality

It has been hypothesized that exposure to heavy metals may impair male reproduction. To measure the effect produced by low doses of heavy metals on semen parameters, it is necessary to clarify in which body fluids those measurements must be performed. Sixty-one men attending infertility clinics participated in our study. Concentrations of lead, cadmium, and mercury were measured in whole blood, blood plasma, and seminal plasma using spectroanalytical and electrochemical methods. Semen analyses were performed according to World Health Organization criteria. For statistical analysis, Spearman's rank correlations, mean comparison tests, and discriminant analysis were calculated. Significant correlations between the measured concentrations of the three heavy metals in the same biological fluids were observed. However, no similar relationship was seen when comparing the concentrations in different body fluids of the same metal. According to our results and previous publications, seminal plasma might be the best body fluid for assessing impairment of human semen parameters.

Relationships between heavy metal concentrations in three different body fluids and male reproductive parameters: a pilot study

BackgroundAnimal studies have shown the reproductive toxicity of a number of heavy metals. Very few human observational studies have analyzed the relationship between male reproductive function and heavy metal concentrations in diverse biological fluids.MethodsThe current study assessed the associations between seminal and hormonal parameters and the concentration of the 3 most frequent heavy metal toxicants (lead, cadmium and mercury) in three different body fluids. Sixty one men attending infertility clinics that participated in a case-control study to explore the role of environmental toxins and lifestyles on male infertility were analyzed. Concentration of lead, cadmium and mercury were measured in blood and seminal plasma and whole blood using anodic stripping voltammetry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum samples were analyzed for follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone. Semen analyses were performed according to World Health Organization criteria. Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's rank correlations were used for unadjusted analyses. Multiple linear regression models were performed controlling for age, body mass index and number of cigarettes per day.ResultsThere were no significant differences between cases and controls in the concentrations of heavy metals in any of the three body fluids. In multivariate analyses using all subjects no significant associations were found between serum hormone levels and metal concentrations. However there was a significant positive association between the percentage of immotile sperms and seminal plasma levels of lead and cadmium.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the presence of lead and cadmium in the reproductive tract of men may be related to a moderate alteration of their seminal parameters.

Antibiotic susceptibility of urogenital microbial profile of infertile men in South-eastern Nigeria

Male factors are known to contribute significantly to the infertility problem. The urogenital bacteria profile and semen quality were investigated among 160 men attending infertility clinics in South-eastern Nigeria. Both semen and urine samples were obtained from each subject and analysed according to standard techniques. A total of 16 (10%) had bacterial infection in their semen samples and individuals of older age groups were significantly affected (chi(2) = 23.18, P < 0.05). Urinary tract infection (UTI) was observed in 30.6% of subjects, with the highest rate occurring among men aged 36-40 years, but the difference was not significant (chi(2) = 7.62, P > 0.05). A total of 33.8% of the men had semen volume less than 2 ml per ejaculate, 33.8% also recorded total sperm count of <40 x 10(6) ml(-1), while 36.3% recorded sperm motility <50%. Fifty-three individuals (33.1%) had suboptimal sperm morphology (<60%), with the men aged 46-50 years old significantly affected (chi(2) = 13.03, P < 0.05). All the individuals with bacterial infection in semen also had UTI and suboptimal semen parameters. The commonest bacterial isolates were Proteus species, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which were resistant to most of the antibiotics assessed.

A low intake of antioxidant nutrients is associated with poor semen quality in patients attending fertility clinics

To compare specific nutrient intake between normospermic and oligoasthenoteratospermic patients attending infertility clinics in two Mediterranean provinces of Spain. Case-control study. Private fertility clinics in southeastern Spain. Thirty men with poor semen quality (case subjects) and 31 normospermic control subjects of couples attending our fertility clinics. We recorded dietary habits and nutrient consumption using a food frequency questionnaire adapted to meet specific study objectives. We calculated nutrient intakes by multiplying the frequency of use for each food by the nutrient composition of the portion size specified on the food frequency questionnaire and by addition across all foods to obtain a total nutrient intake for each individual. Semen quality was assessed by measuring volume, concentration, motility, and morphology. Hormones levels were also analyzed in case and control subjects. In the logistic regression, control subjects had a significantly higher intake of carbohydrates, fiber, folate, vitamin C, and lycopene and lower intakes of proteins and total fat. A low intake of antioxidant nutrients was associated with a poor semen quality in this case-control study of Spanish men attending infertility clinics.

Effect of cell phone usage on semen analysis in men attending infertility clinic: an observational study

To investigate the effect of cell phone use on various markers of semen quality. Observational study. Infertility clinic. Three hundred sixty-one men undergoing infertility evaluation were divided into four groups according to their active cell phone use: group A: no use; group B: <2 h/day; group C: 2-4 h/day; and group D: >4 h/day. None. Sperm parameters (volume, liquefaction time, pH, viscosity, sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology). The comparisons of mean sperm count, motility, viability, and normal morphology among four different cell phone user groups were statistically significant. Mean sperm motility, viability, and normal morphology were significantly different in cell phone user groups within two sperm count groups. The laboratory values of the above four sperm parameters decreased in all four cell phone user groups as the duration of daily exposure to cell phones increased. Use of cell phones decrease the semen quality in men by decreasing the sperm count, motility, viability, and normal morphology. The decrease in sperm parameters was dependent on the duration of daily exposure to cell phones and independent of the initial semen quality.

Inflammatory-associated obstructions of the male reproductive tract

A history of urogenital inflammation occurs in 5-12% of men attending infertility clinics. Usually, infection has a detrimental effect on sperm quality by reducing concentration and motility, and possibly affecting the number of morphological normal spermatozoa. In addition, infection may be the source of auto-antibodies against spermatozoa, found in about 8% of the infertile male population. In contrast to the situation in women, there is no clear evidence that male accessory gland infections can result in epididymal blockage or vassal obstruction, with the exception of genital tuberculosis. Although Chlamydia trachomatis is a well-documented source of chronic prostatitis, the infection does not seem to cause obstruction of the reproductive tract, as it does in women. If male urogenital infection causes obstruction it is most likely located at the level of the ejaculatory ducts. Chronic prostatitis has been proved to cause scarring of the prostatic and ejaculatory ducts, resulting in low seminal volume with low fructose and alpha-glucosidase. Many of these men present with severe oligozoospermia or azoospermia, normal size testis and normal gonadotrophins. We performed an excisional testicular biopsy in all men presenting with <1 million spermatozoa per millilitre and found that 39 of 78 (50%) had a normal spermatogenesis. A history of male accessory genital infection was found in 12% of the men and 10% had abnormalities found on transrectal ultrasound of the prostate (like oedema, dilatation of the seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts) intraprostatic calcifications and dilatation of the periprostatic venous plexus. Ejaculatory duct obstruction is a common cause of male infertility and infections are present in at least 22-50% of these men. Transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts may result in a significant improvement of the sperm quality and in spontaneous pregnancies in up to 25% of the couples. In case of failure sperm aspiration from the epididymis and intracytoplasmic sperm injection is the treatment of choice.