Semen Analysis Parameters Research Articles

Coenzyme Q10 in Male Infertility

Currently the male factor is frequently encountered in the infertility problem. Basically, the factors that cause sperm dysfunction and male infertility are environmental, physiological and genetic. Excessive amount of reactive oxygen species and other oxidant radicals have been associated with male infertility. In addition, although semen analysis parameters appear normal in idiopathic male infertility, it is suggested that the possible cause of infertility is oxidative stress. Antioxidants in foods that are protective against oxidative stress increase the success of assisted reproductive techniques by protecting spermatozoa from free oxygen radicals, preventing DNA breaks caused by free oxygen radicals, and supporting the sperm maturation process. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is found in every cell and has the ability to dissolve in oil, is a vitamin-like compound that acts as a coenzyme in key enzymatic reactions in energy production in the cell. Endogenous CoQ10, is significantly associated with sperm count and motility and is shown as one of the most important antioxidants in seminal plasma. Exogenous CoQ10 administration can be explained by its positive effects on sperm motility, its effectiveness in mitochondria and its antioxidant effects. In this review, articles investigating the effect of oxidative stress on infertility and the role of CoQ10, a natural antioxidant vitamin in the treatment of infertility, were presented. As a result, the positive effects of using CoQ10 as a supportive treatment in male infertility have been shown in studies. However, more comprehensive, long-term and pregnancy-related studies are needed.

Association of Semen Bacteriological Profile with Infertility:- A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Center.

Context:Infections are an important cause of male infertility. The specific effects of infections on various semen parameters remain unexplored, especially within the Indian subcontinent.Aim:The aim of the study was to determine the bacteriologic profile of semen, and its effect on semen parameters, with particular emphasis given to Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis tested by semen polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Study Setting and Design:The research was a cross-sectionl analaytical study conducted in a tertiary care center in South India from March 2018 to November 2019, on 48 male partners of couples presenting with infertility.Methodology:After obtaining informed consent from the study participants, semen collection was done. The sample was subjected to standard semen analysis according to the WHO 2010 Manual, followed by bacteriological testing using routine culture methods. In addition, real-time PCR was done to test for U. urealyticum and M. hominis.Statistical Analysis:Demographic data, semen analysis parameters, bacteriological culture findings, and real-time PCR results were compared and analyzed using the software IBM® SPSS 19.0.Results:A significant difference in viscosity of semen, which was higher in the samples that were positive for real-time PCR of M. hominis, was found. Other than this, no other parameter had a statistically significant difference between culture or real-time PCR positive samples and negative samples.Conclusion:Our study, though limited by a small sample size, highlights the role played by seminal infections in the context of male infertility. Larger scale prospective studies in this area would be invaluable in deciding the management plans of male factor infertility.

Assessment of Blood Plasma Free-amino Acid Levels in Infertile Men.

The objective of this study was to investigate the significance of the blood levels of free amino acids (AAs) in infertile men. Ninety-three men who underwent examinations for infertility were included. The concentrations of 20 AAs were measured and compared in four groups (normospermia, obstructive azoospermia, oligozoospermia, non-obstructive azoospermia) based on semen analysis and clinical parameters. When the 93 men were divided into normospermia, obstructive azoospermia, oligozoospermia, and non-obstructive azoospermia groups, no significant differences were found in the concentrations of the 20 AAs between them. We then compared 49 men diagnosed with normozoospermia or oligozoospermia according to the median sperm motility and morphology abnormalities rates (30% and 20%, respectively). Men with low motility rates had significantly lower levels of tryptophan and alanine, and men with high abnormal morphology rates had significantly lower levels of aspartate and glutamate. AAs are probably involved in the pathogenesis of male infertility, particularly oligozoospermia.

L-carnitine and l-acetylcarnitine supplementation for idiopathic male infertility.

SummaryFifteen percent of couples are globally estimated to be infertile, with up to half of these cases attributed to male infertility. Reactive oxidative species (ROS) are known to damage sperm leading to impaired quantity and quality. Although not routinely assessed, oxidative stress is a common underlying pathology in infertile men. Antioxidants have been shown to improve semen analysis parameters by reducing ROS and facilitating repair of damage caused by oxidative stress, but it remains unclear whether they improve fertility. Carnitines are naturally occurring antioxidants in mammals and are normally abundant in the epididymal luminal fluid of men. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of carnitine supplementation for idiopathic male infertility. We searched ClinicalKey, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed and ScienceDirect for relevant studies published from 1 January 2000 to 30 April 2020. Of the articles retrieved, only eight randomised controlled trials were identified and included. Analysis showed that carnitines significantly improve total sperm motility, progressive sperm motility and sperm morphology, but without effect on sperm concentration. There was no demonstrable effect on clinical pregnancy rate in the five studies that included that outcome, although patient numbers were limited. Therefore, the use of carnitines in male infertility appears to improve some sperm parameters but without evidence of an increase in the chance of natural conception.Lay summaryAlthough male infertility affects 1:15 men, there is no obvious reason in the vast majority of cases. Reactive oxidative species (ROS) are highly active molecules containing oxygen and are natural byproducts of normal metabolism. However, high concentrations of ROS have been shown to damage sperm, which negatively impacts a couple’s ability to conceive. Carnitines are natural antioxidants found in the body that counterbalance the damaging effects of ROS. We conducted a comprehensive review of published studies to assess whether carnitine supplements are safe and effective in improving sperm quality and pregnancy rates. Our analysis shows that carnitines improve sperm swimming and production of normal-shaped sperm cells but do not affect sperm count or pregnancy rates, although there are only a few studies and scientific evidence is limited. Whilst it is possible that carnitines may benefit male infertility, more evidence is required regarding chances of pregnancy after carnitine therapy.

Current markers for infertility in men.

Male infertility accounts for about 30% of the causes of couple infertility and has become a public health concern. Male infertility may be caused by several factors occurring in isolation or association with several complex syndromes. Despite the importance of semen analysis in the initial investigation of infertility, it has been estimated that 15% of infertile men present normal sperm, a proportion that calls for additional tests to further investigate cases of infertility and accurately determine the factors that alter ejaculate quality. In addition to semen analysis parameters, genetics has been drawing attention. The incorporation of genetic diagnostic methods in the routine practice of andrology laboratories is an important step to further improve assisted reproductive technologies. The present study described the current status of the main methods used in male infertility investigation.

The Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) technique in an infertile man with Hepatitis-B Virus (HBV) infection: a case report

Background: Several studies have suggested a relationship between chronic infection of the Human Hepatitis-B Virus (HBV) and infertility in men. HBV infection causes instability of spermatozoa chromosomes, interferes the parameters of semen analysis, and have risks to infecting fetus or embryo. In order to prevent the HBV infection, the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedure has been established. This case study aims to evaluate the ICSI technique conducted to an infertile man with HBV infection.Case Description: We reported a case of a 42-year-old infertile male who had primary infertility for 11 years with positive HBsAg. Patients were given Tribulus terrestris and an antioxidant also referred to an internist colleague for the definitive treatment of Hepatitis-B. Then the patient and his wife were prepared to undergo an In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) procedure by washing spermatozoa and ICSI. Routine evaluation for 15 days post-ICSI for the first time did not show biochemical signs of pregnancy in wives with negative β-hCG. Conclusion: It was concluded that the ICSI procedure could be considered in the action of IVF in infertile man with HBV due to no adverse effect recorded.

Total Motile Sperm Count in Adolescent Boys with Varicocele is Associated with Hormone Levels and Total Testicular Volume.

The risk factors for future infertility in adolescents with varicocele are controversial, and little is known about the association between hormone levels and semen parameters. Semen analysis is likely the closest marker of fertility but may be difficult to obtain in some boys secondary to personal, familial or religious reasons. Identifying other clinical surrogates for abnormal semen parameters may offer an alternative for assessing varicocele severity in these boys. We hypothesized that hormone levels and total testicular volume are predictive of abnormal total motile sperm count. We retrospectively reviewed Tanner 5 boys with palpable left varicoceles who underwent a semen analysis and had serum hormone levels tested (luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, inhibin B, anti-müllerian hormone and/or total testosterone) within a 6-month period. Total testicular volume was also calculated. Abnormal total motile sperm count was defined as <9 million sperm per ejaculate. A total of 78 boys (median age 17.2 years, IQR 16.5-18.0) were included. Luteinizing hormone, anti-müllerian hormone and total testosterone were not correlated with any semen analysis parameter. There was a negative correlation between follicle-stimulating hormone and total motile sperm count (ρ -0.35, p=0.004) and positive correlation between inhibin B and total motile sperm count (ρ 0.50, p <0.001). Total testicular volume was significantly positively correlated with total motile sperm count (ρ 0.35, p=0.01). ROC analyses revealed an optimal follicle-stimulating hormone cutoff of 2.9, an optimal inhibin B cutoff of 204 and an optimal total testicular volume cutoff of 34.4 cc to predict abnormal total motile sperm count. Total motile sperm count is inversely associated with follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and directly associated with inhibin B levels and total testicular volume. Optimized cutoffs for serum follicle-stimulating hormone, inhibin B and total testicular volume may prove to be reasonable surrogates for total motile sperm count in boys who defer semen analysis for personal or religious/cultural reasons.

The Impact of Obesity on Various Semen Parameters and Sex Hormones in Iranian Men with Infertility: A Cross-Sectional Study.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the correlations between body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) and semen parameters (semen volume, sperm count, motility, and morphology) and sex hormones in Iranian men with infertility.Materials and MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a total of 119 male patients who had lived as a partner in an infertile couple for at least 1 year, after regular unprotected sexual intercourse in their married life were investigated. BMI and WC were assessed, and a morning blood sample was taken assessing serum levels of testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2) and leptin. Semen-analysis parameters were also measured.ResultsBased on BMI and WC, the sperm count, total motility and progressive sperm were significantly lower in overweight and obese infertile males compared to that in normal weight infertile males and those with WC<102 cm. In addition, the fraction of sperm with abnormal morphology was significantly higher in infertile men with WC>102 cm compared to that in those with WC<102 cm. Moreover serum levels of LH, FSH, and leptin were significantly higher in overweight and obese infertile males compared to that in normal weight infertile males and those with WC<102 cm. Moreover serum level of E2 was significantly higher in obese infertile males compared to the normal weight infertile males and in those with WC>102 cm compared to the WC<102 cm. Furthermore, serum level of T was significantly lower in obese infertile males compared to the overweight infertile males and in those with WC>102 cm compared to the WC<102 cm. The mean of T/E2 ratio also was significantly lower in obese infertile males vs overweight and normal weight infertile males and in those with WC>102 cm compared to the WC<102 cm.ConclusionWe concluded that overweight and obesity in infertile men compared to those with normal weight may worsen the infertility situation.

Relationship between aryl hydrocarbon receptor and spermatogenic dysfunction in male patients with varicocele.

The main purpose of this project is to verify whether there is a difference in the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) between varicocele (VC) and normal male semen, and determine whether there is a connection with the parameters of semen analysis. The risk factors of infertility in patients with VC were also studied. Semen samples were collected for semen analysis and Western blot. Logistic regression was used to investigate the risk factors associated with infertility in patients with VC. Men with VC had lower AhR expression compared to healthy men; correlation analysis results showed that: AhR expression in patients with VC group was significantly positively correlated with sperm concentration and sperm motility; significantly negatively correlated with the diameter of spermatic veins during Valsalva and the percentage of abnormal sperm morphology; the research results of related risk factors show that the risk of infertility of patients with grade III is 1.67 times that of patients with grades I and II. For each unit of abnormal sperm morphology, the risk of infertility increases 1.04 times. Sperm concentration, total sperm viability and each unit the expression of AhR protein decreases the risk of infertility by 3%, 9% and 11% respectively.

The Seminal Microbiome and Male Factor Infertility.

Focusing on studies published within the last decade, we review the literature on the seminal microbiome and male factor infertility. We highlight potential mechanisms by which microbes may impact fertility and underscore key limitations and clinical implications of these studies. The seminal microbiome encompasses a metabolically and phylogenetically diverse group of microorganisms. Lactobacillus was consistently associated with normal semen analysis parameters and fertility; Anaerococcus was negatively associated with semen quality. These microbes may participate in a complex cross-talk with the host immune system, thereby modulating local and perhaps systemic inflammatory responses, impacting semen quality. Research investigating the intersection between the seminal microbiome and male fertility is still in its infancy. Recent investigations have been exclusively cross-sectional, correlational studies, limiting the clinical applicability of published research. Prospective studies with more sophisticated methodologies are necessary.

Delta-9 THC can be detected and quantified in the semen of men who are chronic users of inhaled cannabis.

The purpose of this proof-of-concept study was to determine whether delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and THC metabolites (11-OH THC and THC-COOH) can be detected in semen. Twelve healthy men aged 18-45years who identified as chronic and heavy users of inhaled cannabis were recruited. THC and THC metabolite levels were measured in serum, urine, and semen of the participants. Semen analyses were performed. Serum reproductive hormones were measured. The median age and BMI of participants were 27.0years and 24.7kg/m2, respectively. Over half the participants were daily users of cannabis for over 5years. Serum reproductive hormones were generally within normal ranges, except prolactin, which was elevated in 6 of 12 participants (mean 13.9ng/mL). The median sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were 75.5 million/mL, 69.5%, and 5.5%, respectively. Urinary THC-COOH was detected in all 12 participants, and at least one serum THC metabolite was present in 10 of 12 participants. Two semen samples had insufficient volume to be analyzed. THC was above the reporting level of 0.50ng/mL in the semen of two of the remaining participants. Seminal THC was moderately correlated with serum levels of THC (r = 0.66), serum 11-OH THC (r = 0.57), and serum THC-COOH (r = 0.67). Seminal delta-9 THC was not correlated with urinary cannabinoid levels or semen analysis parameters. This is the first study to identify and quantify THC in human semen, demonstrating that THC can cross the blood-testis barrier in certain individuals. Seminal THC was found to be moderately correlated with serum THC and THC metabolites.

EFFECTIVENESS OF A SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE SPERM PROCESSING TECHNIQUE ON INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION (IUI) PREGNANCY OUTCOMES

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) has been used for the treatment of infertility often as a first-line therapy. Its overall success varies with pregnancy rates/cycle ranging from 5-20%. Sperm processing is required prior to an IUI. Sperm preparation techniques such as density gradient separation (DG) and simple washing (SW) require the use of centrifugation to separate the sperm from the seminal plasma. DG yields a high concentration of motile sperm, relatively free of cellular debris and leukocyte contamination. However, this method is expensive and time-consuming with a low motile sperm recovery rate (20-70% of initial parameters). SW is a fast and inexpensive method of sperm separation using only a single centrifugation wash step. This technique concentrates all cells found in the original sample such as motile sperm, immotile sperm, cellular debris, and leukocytes. Despite the known differences in recovery rates and the ability of separating motile sperm from seminal contaminants, there is limited knowledge about the effect of the different sperm preparation methods on clinical outcomes. To evaluate the efficacy of DG and SW sperm preparation techniques on IUI clinical outcomes. Data on 600 subfertile couples undergoing IUIs at an academic center from 3/2017 to 4/2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Sperm was prepared with DG for 300 specimens and with SW for another 300 specimens. DG Method: Liquified semen was layered over 50:90% ISolate (Fujifilm) and centrifuged at 300g for 20 min. DG sperm pellet was resuspended in 5 ml Multipurpose Handling Medium (MHM; FujiFilm) and centrifuge for 10 min at 300g. This final step was repeated, and the final pellet was resuspended with MHM to a final insemination volume of 0.5 ml. SW Method: Liquified semen was added to 10 ml MHM and centrifuged for 10 min at 300g. SW sperm pellet was resuspended with MHM for a final insemination volume of 0.5 ml. There was no difference in interval between semen production and time of insemination between the 2 groups. Outcome measures: pregnancy rate (PR), livebirth rate (LBR), spontaneous abortion rate (SABR) (out of clinical pregnancies), and multiple pregnancy rate (MPR) (out of livebirths). Parametric and non-parametric tests were used as appropriate. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios, controlling for age. P-values<0.05 were considered statistically significant. There were no significant differences in the demographic and semen analysis parameters between the two groups, except for higher sperm motility in the SW group (44.4% vs. 48.9, p:0.005) (Table 1). PR, LBR, SABR, MPR were not significantly different between the 2 methods: PR (14.7% vs. 16.7%, p:0.500), LBR (12.3% vs. 12.3%, p:1.000), SABR (14.0% vs. 19.6%, p:0.478), and MPR (8.1% vs. 13.5%, p:0.711), respectively for DG vs. SW. Odds ratios for the same rates yielded no significant results, after adjusting for age, as follows: [DG vs. SW, OR (95%CI)] PR [0.884 (0.567-1.379), p:0.588], LBR [1.032 (0.632-1.686), p:0.898], SABR [0.667 (0.215-2.066), p:0.482], and MPR [0.521 (0.112-2.430), p:0.407]. Our results demonstrate that DG and SW are equally effective methods for preparing sperm for IUIs.

Correlations Among Genotype and Outcome in Chinese Male Patients With Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism Under HCG Treatment

BackgroundCongenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by absent or incomplete puberty and infertility, and heterogeneous responses are often observed during treatment. AimTo investigate the role of CHH-associated variants in patients with CHH with poor responses to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). MethodsThis retrospective study investigated 110 Chinese male patients with CHH undergoing genetic analysis and hCG treatment. CHH-associated rare sequence variants (RSVs) were identified by using a tailored next-generation sequencing panel and were interpreted in accordance with the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics criteria. Clinical characteristics were recorded, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis was conducted to assess pathways enriched in protein networks implicated in poor responses. OutcomesThe outcomes include testicular volume, serum hormonal profiles, parameters of semen analysis, pathogenicity classification, and pathway enrichment. ResultsAmong the 110 patients, 94.55% achieved normal serum testosterone and 54.55% achieved seminal spermatozoa appearance (SSA). PLXNB1, ROBO3, LHB, NRP2, CHD7, and PLXNA1 RSVs were identified in patients who had an abnormal serum testosterone level during treatment. In spermatogenesis, the number of CHH-associated RSVs was not significantly strongly associated with delayed SSA. After pathogenicity classification, pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) RSVs were identified in 30% (33/110) of patients. Patients with P/LP RSVs showed delayed SSA compared with noncarriers, and P/LP PROKR2 RSVs showed the strongest association (48, 95% CI: 34.1–61.9 months, P = .043). Enriched pathways implicated in delayed SSA included neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction; Rap1, MAPK, PI3K-Akt signaling; and regulation of actin cytoskeleton. Clinical ImplicationsMale patients with CHH harboring P/LP PROKR2 RSVs should be aware of a high probability of poor responses to hCG; If these patients desire fertility, it might be better to recommend hCG/human menopausal gonadotropin, hCG/recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone, or pulsatile GnRH administration before treatments start or as early as possible. Strengths & LimitationsStrengths are the standardized regimen and extensive follow-up (median time of 40 months). However, included patients in the study voluntarily chose hCG treatment because of the burden of drug cost and/or little fertility desire. Therefore, human menopausal gonadotropin or follicle-stimulating hormone was not added to this cohort. Our observed correlations should be further verified in patients with CHH undergoing other treatments. ConclusionAmong all P/LP RSVs, P/LP PROKR2 RSVs might correlate with poor responses in CHH under hCG treatment; our study supports the pathogenicity assessment of American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics criteria in genetic counseling, to improve management of patients with CHH.Chen Y, Sun T, Niu Y, et al. Correlations AmongGenotype and Outcome in Chinese Male Patients WithCongenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism Under HCG Treatment. J Sex Med 2020;17:645–657.

The Impact of Female Pre-Cyclic and Cyclic Parameters and Semen Analysis Parameters on the Pregnancy Rate in IUI Cycles; a Prospective Study

The Impact of Female Pre-Cyclic and Cyclic Parameters and Semen Analysis Parameters on the Pregnancy Rate in IUI Cycles; a Prospective Study

A collective tracking method for preliminary sperm analysis

BackgroundTotal motile sperm count (TMSC) and curvilinear velocity (VCL) are two important parameters in preliminary semen analysis for male infertility. Traditionally, both parameters are evaluated manually by embryologists or automatically using an expensive computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) instrument. The latter applies a point-tracking method using an image processing technique to detect, recognize and classify each of the target objects, individually, which is complicated. However, as semen is dense, manual counting is exhausting while CASA suffers from severe overlapping and heavy computation.MethodsWe proposed a simple frame-differencing method that tracks motile sperms collectively and treats their overlapping with a statistical occupation probability without heavy computation. The proposed method leads to an overall image of all of the differential footprint trajectories (DFTs) of all motile sperms and thus the overall area of the DFTs in a real-time manner. Accordingly, a theoretical DFT model was also developed to formulate the overall DFT area of a group of moving beads as a function of time as well as the total number and average speed of the beads. Then, using the least square fitting method, we obtained the optimal values of the TMSC and the average VCL that yielded the best fit for the theoretical DFT area to the measured DFT area.ResultsThe proposed method was used to evaluate the TMSC and the VCL of 20 semen samples. The maximum TMSC evaluated using the method is more than 980 sperms per video frame. The Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) between the two series of TMSC obtained using the method and the CASA instrument is 0.946. The PCC between the two series of VCL obtained using the method and CASA is 0.771. As a consequence, the proposed method is as accurate as the CASA method in TMSC and VCL evaluations.ConclusionIn comparison with the individual point-tracking techniques, the collective DFT tracking method is relatively simple in computation without complicated image processing. Therefore, incorporating the proposed method into a cell phone equipped with a microscopic lens can facilitate the design of a simple sperm analyzer for clinical or household use without advance dilution.

Sperm DNA fragmentation on the day of fertilization is not associated with embryologic or clinical outcomes after IVF/ICSI.

To evaluate if sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) in the sample used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) impacts outcomes after euploid blastocyst transfer. Prospective cohort study of couples undergoing IVF with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy from December 2014-June 2017. Sperm collected on the day of ICSI was analyzed for SDF using the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA®). Semen analysis parameters, embryologic outcomes, and clinical outcomes after euploid blastocyst transfer were compared between groups with DNA fragmentation index (DFI) ≤ 15% and DFI > 15% using Mann-Whitney U, t tests, and generalized linear mixed effects models. Two hundred thirty-four patients were included. One hundred seventy-nine men had DFI ≤ 15% (low DFI group) and 55 men had DFI > 15% group (high DFI group). Total motile sperm and sperm concentration were significantly lower in the group with DFI > 15% vs. DFI ≤ 15%. There was no difference in fertilization (86.3 vs. 84.2%, adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.86 (0.63-1.18)), blastulation (49.5 vs. 48.8%, adjusted OR 1.02 (0.75-1.36)), or euploidy (55.7 vs. 52.1%, adjusted OR 0.96 (0.7-1.31)) between the low and high DFI groups, respectively. Clinical outcomes were similar between low and high DFI groups, including implantation rate (68.8 vs. 79.8%), ongoing pregnancy rate (65.9 vs. 72.6%), and miscarriage rate (4.2 vs. 8.8%), respectively. Sperm DNA fragmentation on the day of ICSI is not associated with embryologic or clinical outcomes after euploid blastocyst transfer. Increasing levels of SDF are associated with low sperm concentration and total motile sperm count.

Effect of Abstinence Time on Semen Parameters among Male Patients Referring to Urology Clinic

Introduction: Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common disorders in sexual intercourses among men and may occur for any man in any period of his life. PE results in some mental disorders such as anxiety, depression and marital disaffection and can have psychological impacts. The present study is aimed to investigate the effect of the abstinence time on the semen analysis parameters among men.&#x0D; Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on a statistical population including 100 male patients referring to the urology clinic in Ali-Ibn-Abitaleb Hospital. Once included in the study, these individuals are divided into three groups with short-term abstinence (less than 2 days), mid-term abstinence (2-9 days), and long-term abstinence (more than 9 days). The patients, depending on the group to which they belonged, were asked to deliver their semen at the specified time to the laboratory in less than an hour. The obtained data were statistically analyzed in SPSS-22 software.&#x0D; Findings: The results of Pearson correlation and Spearman tests indicated a direct positive relationship between the abstinence time and the total number of sperms in the seminal fluid, concentration of the sperms in the seminal fluid, volume of the seminal fluid, sperm DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species in the seminal fluid, and pH of the seminal fluid.accordingly, the longer the abstinence time, the more the occurrence of these disorders. Also, the correlation test results showed that the abstinence time had an inverse relationship with motility and morphology of the sperms in the seminal fluid; accordingly, with elongation of the abstinence time, the motility (mobility) and morphology of the sperms in the seminal fluid were reduced.&#x0D; Conclusion: The researchers in the present work concluded the presence of a relationship between the abstinence time and the quality of the sperm parameters. Results of the present study showed that the abstinence time is significantly associated with the total sperm count, sperm concentration seminal fluid volume and pH.

Semen Parameters And Pregnancy Rate Post Varicocelectomy For Subfertile Men With Sperm Count Less Than 10 Millions, Sohag Medical School Experience

Purpose: Despite Varicocele repair can improve fertility in infertile men with oligospermia, Conflicting opinions remain as to whether a varicocele repair improves fertility in individuals with severe oligospermia. The present study evaluated the benefits of varicocelectomy in men with severe oligospermia and clinically palpable varicocele in terms of the spontaneous pregnancy rate and improvement in semen analysis parameters .Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study of 50 men with oligospermia who underwent varicocelectomy at our center in the period between April 2017 to August 2018. The subjects were followed for a mean period of 3 months. Outcome was compared among groups of men with moderate (5–10 million/mL), and severe (

Impact of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection on sperm parameters of infertile men.

BackgroundViral hepatitis is one of the health problems which have the effects on the health issues. It seems that hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have negative impacts on the semen quality and male infertility rate.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of HBV and HCV on sperm quality among Iranian infertile men referred to Royan Institute Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center between 2003 and 2014.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective case-control study included 112 HBV positive infertile men and 47 HCV positive infertile men as case group and 112 HBV negative and HCV negative matched infertile men as a control group. All semen analysis and viral parameters assessment was performed in the central laboratory with the same method and instruments.ResultsSperm count among infertile men with HBV and HCV infection was significantly lower than control group [the mean of the total sperm count 100.95░±░118.59, 118.22░±░141.18, 166.27░±░151.25 (p░<░0.001)]. Sperm motility was significantly decreased in HBV and HCV positive men in comparison to the control group [30.97░±░25.88, 31.09░±░28.72, 40.87░±░23.37, respectively (p░<░0.007)]. The percentage of normal sperm morphology was significantly higher in control group in comparison to HBV and HCV infected group [the mean of the normal semen morphology 3.23░±░3.27, 3.70░±░3.83, 4.51░±░3.15 p░<░0.015]. Although there is a significant decline in liquefaction time in the case group but the viscosity, semen volume, and PH of semen samples were similar in the both case and control groups.ConclusionOur results suggest that HBV and HCV infection are associated with poor sperm quality.

Fertility Preservation Outcomes in Adolescent and Young Adult Feminizing Transgender Patients.

Fertility preservation enables patients undergoing gonadotoxic therapies to retain the potential for biological children and now has broader implications in the care of transgender individuals. Multiple medical societies recommend counseling on fertility preservation before initiating therapy for gender dysphoria; however, outcome data pre- and posttreatment are limited in feminizing transgender adolescents and young adults. The University of Pittsburgh Institutional Research Board approved this study. Data were collected retrospectively on transgender patients seeking fertility preservation between 2015 and 2018, including age at initial consultation and semen analysis parameters. Eleven feminizing transgender patients accepted a referral for fertility preservation during this time; consultation occurred at median age 19 (range 16-24 years). Ten patients attempted and completed at least 1 semen collection. Eight patients cryopreserved semen before initiating treatment. Of those patients, all exhibited low morphology with otherwise normal median semen analysis parameters. In 1 patient who discontinued leuprolide acetate to attempt fertility preservation, transient azoospermia of 5 months' duration was demonstrated with subsequent recovery of spermatogenesis. In a patient who had previously been treated with spironolactone and estradiol, semen analysis revealed persistent azoospermia for the 4 months leading up to orchiectomy after discontinuation of both medications. Semen cryopreservation is a viable method of fertility preservation in adolescent and young adult transgender individuals and can be considered in patients who have already initiated therapy for gender dysphoria. Further research is needed to determine the optimal length of time these therapies should be discontinued to facilitate successful semen cryopreservation.