Seminal Fluid Volume Research Articles

Impact of coenzyme Q10 as an adjuvant therapy to letrozole on spermiogram results and sex hormone levels in Iraqi men with infertility; randomized open label comparative study.

Background: Worldwide, infertility affects about 15% of reproductive-age couples. In many cases, infertility can't be treated, however new treatment options with promising value have been involved in recent clinical trials. The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the impacts of adding coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to letrozole on the results of spermiogram and sex hormone tests in men diagnosed with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) syndrome, which is a type of male defective spermatogenesis of unknown etiology. Methods: This randomized, open-label, parallel two-arm interventional study included 67 adult male patients aged 18-60 years with a confirmed diagnosis of iOAT syndrome recruited from The High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis & Assisted Reproduction Technologies/Nahrain University. Patients were randomly separated into two groups, Group A included 29 patients treated with letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week, Group B included 38 patients treated with a combination of letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week plus CoQ10 400 mg per day. Both groups completed treatment for three months. Semen samples, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E 2), and testosterone (T) were analyzed at day one, and at the end of month one, two and three. Results: Both groups showed that sperm concentration, normal morphology, total sperm count and motility, serum testosterone and FSH levels, and T/E 2 ratio were significantly increased, while estradiol levels significantly decreased after three months of treatment. Seminal fluid volume changed significantly in group A only. In comparing between the two groups, all measured parameters, apart from sperm motility and FSH level, demonstrated a significant difference after three months of treatment, while sperm volume reached significant value after only two months of therapy. Conclusions: CoQ10 as adjuvant treatment to letrozole effectively improved most of the tested sperm parameters in Iraqi men with iOAT. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT05847257, May 6, 2023).

Exploring the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide and semen quality parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To investigate the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide (SO2) exposure and semen quality parameters. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the association between SO2 exposure and semen quality parameters. This search encompassed the timeframe from January 2000 to May 2023 and included electronic databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus. Pooled effect estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using percent changes (PC). The meta-analysis included seven studies with 6 711 participants and 15 087 semen samples. Results: The results revealed a significant negative association between ambient SO2 exposure and certain semen quality parameters. In particular, SO2 exposure was associated with a significant decrease in progressive motility (PC=0.032; 95% CI: -0.063 to -0.001; P=0.044) and sperm concentration (PC = -0.020; 95% CI: -0.036 to -0.005; P=0.012). However, no statistically significant associations were observed for total sperm count (PC = -0.038; 95% CI: -0.079 to 0.003; P=0.070), seminal fluid volume (PC = -0.009; 95% CI: -0.048 to -0.030; P=0.662) and sperm motility (PC = -0.17; 95% CI: -0.363 to 0.022; P=0.830). In addition, the results of the subgroup analysis revealed specific variables that were associated with the decrease in relevant sperm parameters. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis provides compelling evidence supporting a consistent negative association between exposure to ambient SO2 and semen quality parameters.

Impact of coenzyme Q10 as an adjuvant therapy to letrozole on spermiogram results and sex hormone levels in Iraqi men with infertility; randomized open label comparative study

Background: Worldwide, infertility affects about 15% of reproductive-age couples. In many cases, infertility can't be treated, however new treatment options with promising value have been involved in recent clinical trials. The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the impacts of adding coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to letrozole on the results of spermiogram and sex hormone tests in men diagnosed with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) syndrome, which is a type of male defective spermatogenesis of unknown etiology. Methods: This randomized, open-label, parallel two-arm interventional study included 67 adult male patients aged 18-60 years with a confirmed diagnosis of iOAT syndrome recruited from The High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis & Assisted Reproduction Technologies/Nahrain University. Patients were randomly separated into two groups, Group A included 29 patients treated with letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week, Group B included 38 patients treated with a combination of letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week plus CoQ10 400 mg per day. Both groups completed treatment for three months. Semen samples, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T) were analyzed at day one, and at the end of month one, two and three. Results: Both groups showed that sperm concentration, normal morphology, total sperm count and motility, serum testosterone and FSH levels, and T/E2 ratio were significantly increased, while estradiol levels significantly decreased after three months of treatment. Seminal fluid volume changed significantly in group A only. In comparing between the two groups, all measured parameters, apart from sperm motility and FSH level, demonstrated a significant difference after three months of treatment, while sperm volume reached significant value after only two months of therapy. Conclusions: CoQ10 as adjuvant treatment to letrozole effectively improved most of the tested sperm parameters in Iraqi men with iOAT. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05847257, May 6, 2023).

Impact of organophosphate pesticides exposure on human semen parameters and testosterone: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Organophosphate (OP) pesticides have been associated with a decline in semen quality, although there are still considerable arguments about the magnitude of the association. This study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of the impacts of OP pesticides on semen quality and male reproductive hormones. This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocols. Strategic search was conducted using combined text words as search terms. The eligibility criteria were developed based on Population, Exposure, Comparator, Outcome, and Study designs (PECOS) framework. Relevant data were extracted, risk of bias was evaluated by The Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool, and certainty of evidence was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group guidelines. Quantitative meta-analysis was performed by using Review Manager. A total of 766 male subjects (349 exposed to OP pesticides and 417 unexposed controls) were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in the ejaculate volume, seminal fluid volume, sperm multiple anomaly index, sperm, and leukocytes levels of the OP-exposed subjects compared to the control. In addition, OP pesticides exposure did not significantly affect serum concentrations of FSH, LH, and testosterone in subjects who were exposed to OP pesticides compared to their unexposed counterparts. However, we found a significant reduction in the sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, total sperm motility, and normal sperm morphology of OP pesticides-exposed subjects compared to the unexposed subjects. However, after subtype and sensitivity analyses, exposure to OP pesticides did not reduce sperm count. Also, after sensitivity analysis, OP pesticides exposure did not alter progressive sperm motility. This study demonstrates that OP pesticides exposure reduced sperm count, concentration, total and progressive motility, and normal sperm morphology, possibly via a testosterone-independent mechanism.

Impact of coenzyme Q10 as an adjuvant therapy to letrozole on spermiogram results and sex hormone levels in Iraqi men with infertility; randomized open label comparative study

Background: Worldwide, infertility affects about 15% of reproductive-age couples. In many cases, infertility can't be treated, however new treatment options with promising value have been involved in recent clinical trials. The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the impacts of adding coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to letrozole on the results of spermiogram and sex hormone tests in men diagnosed with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) syndrome, which is a type of male defective spermatogenesis of unknown etiology. Methods: This randomized, open-label, parallel two-arm interventional study included 67 adult male patients aged 18-60 years with a confirmed diagnosis of iOAT syndrome recruited from The High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis & Assisted Reproduction Technologies/Nahrain University. Patients were randomly separated into two groups, Group A included 29 patients treated with letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week, Group B included 38 patients treated with a combination of letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week plus CoQ10 400 mg per day. Both groups completed treatment for three months. Semen samples, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T) were analyzed at day one, and at the end of month one, two and three. Results: Both groups showed that sperm concentration, normal morphology, total sperm count and motility, serum testosterone and FSH levels, and T/E2 ratio were significantly increased, while estradiol levels significantly decreased after three months of treatment. Seminal fluid volume changed significantly in group A only. In comparing between the two groups, all measured parameters, apart from sperm motility and FSH level, demonstrated a significant difference after three months of treatment, while sperm volume reached significant value after only two months of therapy. Conclusions: CoQ10 as adjuvant treatment to letrozole effectively improved most of the tested sperm parameters in Iraqi men with iOAT. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05847257, May 6, 2023).

Quantitative proteomic profile analysis of thyroid dysfunction effects on seminal vesicles and repercussions on male fertility

Hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis are associated with male reproductive disorders, but little is known about the influence of the thyroid hormone milieu on seminal vesicle (SV) function and metabolism. In this sense, we investigated the effects of hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis induced in adulthood Wistar male rats on SV function and identified new thyroid hormone targets on male reproduction regulation using novel proteomic approaches. Hypothyroidism reduces SV size and seminal fluid volume, which are directly associated with low testosterone and estradiol levels, while thyrotoxicosis increases Esr2 and Dio1 expression in the SV. We found 116 differentially expressed proteins. Hypothyroidism reduces the expression of molecular protein markers related to sperm viability, capacitation and fertilization, protection against oxidative stress and energetic metabolism in SV, while it increases the expression of proteins related to tissue damage. In conclusion, thyroid dysfunction in the adult phase impairs several morphological, molecular and functional characteristics of SV.

Influence of Letrozole and Co Q10 on Sex Hormones and Spermiogram in Infertile Men; sample of Iraqi patients

Background: The definition of World Health Organization (WHO) to the infertile couple is the failure of female get pregnancy in spite of having regular sexual activity for at least 1 year without using any contraceptive methods, worldwide it is estimated that 15 % of reproductive-age couples are struggling with infertility.
 In many cases, infertility cannot be treated, new treatment options with promising value were involved in the recent clinical trials.
 Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of letrozole plus coenzyme Q10 combination on spermiogram and sex hormones in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) syndrome.
 Patient and methods: fifty-five patients are enrolled in this study, but only 40 patients complete the study, they are treated with a combination of Letrozole 2.5 mg tablet orally twice a week plus Co-enzyme Q10 400mg per day for three months. Seminal fluid sample, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and testosterone were analyzed before starting the treatment and at the end of month 1, 2 and 3.Results: sperm concentration, sperm morphology, total sperm count and motility, serum testosterone and follicle stimulation hormone levels, in addition to testosterone/estradiol ratio were significantly improved, while estradiol levels significantly decreased after 3 months of treatment. However, seminal fluid volume showed no significant change. Finally, as a notable outcome, one spontaneous conception occurred after treatment as well as three azoospermia cases responded well after completing the course of treatment.
 Conclusions: a combination of Letrozole and CO Q10 can effectively improve sperm parameters in Iraqi men with iOAT.

P-009 Impact of organophosphate pesticide exposure on human semen quality and circulating testosterone: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Study question Does exposure to organophosphate pesticides (OP pesticides) alter human semen quality and circulating testosterone levels? Summary answer Exposure to OP pesticides reduced sperm count, concentration, total and progressive motility, and normal sperm morphology, possibly via a testosterone-independent mechanism. What is known already OP pesticides have been associated with a decline in semen quality, although there are still considerable arguments about the magnitude of the association. Also, human data on semen quality and male reproductive hormones in association with OP pesticide exposure is limited and inconsistent. Study design, size, duration This study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of the impacts of OP pesticide on semen quality and male reproductive hormones. Participants/materials, setting, methods This study was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Following a pre-defined strategic protocol, 1, 001 studies were screened and 9 articles were identified as eligible for this study. Two of the studies were from China, and one each from Japan, Peru, France, Mexico, Malaysia, Venezuela, and Iran. Two of the studies did not specify the types of OP pesticide used, while the remaining 7 did. Main results and the role of chance A total of 766 male subjects (349 exposed to OP pesticide and 417 unexposed controls) were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in the ejaculate volume, seminal fluid volume, sperm multiple anomaly index, and leukocytes levels of the OP-exposed subjects compared to the control. In addition, OP pesticide exposure did not significantly affect serum concentrations of FSH, LH, and testosterone in subjects who were exposed to OP pesticide compared to their unexposed counterparts. However, we found a significant reduction in the sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, total sperm motility, and normal sperm morphology of OP pesticide-exposed subjects compared to the unexposed subjects. However, after subtype and sensitivity analyses, exposure to OP pesticide did not significantly reduce sperm count. In addition, after sensitivity analysis, OP pesticide exposure did not significantly alter progressive sperm motility. Limitations, reasons for caution The non-inclusion of non-English publications in this study and the scarcity of well-designed studies to be included might have limited the pooled sample size and inadequately explored the impacts of OP. Also, the included studies are from a few countries, which may not necessarily be a good global representative. Wider implications of the findings The present comprehensive meta-analysis clearly demonstrates that exposure to OP pesticide causes reduced sperm count, concentration, total and progressive motility, and normal sperm morphology, possibly via a testosterone-independent mechanism. These findings strengthen existing evidence in the literature on the negative impacts OP pesticide exposure on semen quality. Trial registration number Not applicable

The Influence of a Tropical Climate with a Long Dry Season on Goat Semen Quality and Seminal Fluid Change in the Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand

At present, there is no information about the difference between the three seasons with a long dry period, such as Kanchanaburi province, Thailand, on goat semen quality. This study observed the climate and daytime length effects of a long dry period in three seasons in a tropical climate country on goat semen quality and seminal fluid change. The semen was collected from eight male goats once a month for one year. The libido score was assessed during semen collection. Semen volume, semen sediment volume, percentage of seminal fluid volume, seminal fluid protein, mass movement, motility, concentration, and spermatozoa membrane integrity were evaluated. Libido scores were not different between the seasons. Semen volume, seminal fluid volume, and seminal fluid protein concentration in the rainy season were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the summer and winter. Semen sediment volume was relatively stable in all seasons and months. Meanwhile, the concentration was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the summer and winter than in the rainy season. In summer and winter, spermatozoa motility and normal spermatozoa membrane were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the rainy season. In conclusion, temperature, THI, and daytime changes in tropical climate countries with long dry seasons were unrelated to semen quality, seminal fluid change, and sexual behavior. But the increase in humidity in the rainy season after long dry seasons has dropped semen quality, resulting from increased volume and protein levels in seminal fluid.

Experimental works on factory reproduction of tench (Tinca tinca L.) in the Saratov region

Currently, the practice of artificial reproduction of tench in fish farms is extremely limited. This is based on the lack of effective methods of its factory reproduction. The purpose of our research was to develop biotechnical elements that optimize artificial reproduction of tench in the conditions of the Saratov region. The objects of research were producers of tench caught in the Volgograd reservoir by water nets. In total of 25 specimens were caught and pre-planted in trays tench producers, including 15 specimens females weighing from 750 to 1555 g and 10 specimens males — from 673 to 1055 g. Two schemes were used to stimulate puberty in female tench with the acetonated pituitary gland of the carp. The first group of females was injected with pituitary solution twice: a preliminary dose of 0.6 mg/kg; allowing — 6 mg/kg of body weight with an interval between injections of 12 hours. The second group of females was injected once with a pituitary dose of 15 mg/kg. The best indicators in the production of ovulated oocytes were shown by females who were injected twice, and in this group an additional second portion of a small amount of eggs was obtained. Male tench were injected once with a pituitary dose of 3 mg/kg. According to the time of injection, the males were divided into two groups: the first group was injected with the pituitary gland simultaneously with the pre — injection of the females; the second — at a resolution. The best results in terms of ejaculate volume were obtained in the first group (0.5–0.6 ml). From the second group of males, the volume of seminal fluid was 0.3–0.4 ml. Methods for the desticking of fertilized eggs using the proteolytic enzyme alkalase and tannin are investigated. The proteolytic enzyme showed a well-defined decongestant activity, but during the incubation of eggs, the shells of shell eggs burst and at the time of hatching single instances of larvae were observed. More stable results on hatching of larvae were obtained with the use of tannin, as a degumming substance.

Increased DHEAS and Decreased Total Testosterone Serum Levels in a Subset of Men with Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia: Does a Male PCOS-Equivalent Exist?

Background Increased dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels have been reported in men with early-onset (<35 years) androgenetic alopecia (AGA). It has been suggested that a male polycystic ovarian syndrome- (PCOS-) equivalent, defined as an endocrine syndrome with a metabolic background and a PCOS-like hormonal pattern, predisposing to type II diabetes mellitus (DM II), cardiovascular and prostate diseases later in life, may occur in at least a part of these men. The gonadal function, including sperm parameters and total testosterone (TT) levels, has been investigated in a low number of these men. Objective The aim of the study was to assess gonadal and adrenal function in a subset of men with early-onset AGA and controls. Methods 43 men with early-onset AGA and 36 controls were screened for DHEAS, TT, glycaemia, insulin, gonadotropins, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17n = 21), as those with at least one of the following parameters: body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2, insulin resistance (IR), and/or SHBG <25 nmol/l. Results Patients with early-onset AGA had higher mean (±SD) BMI (25.5 ± 3.8 vs. 23.7 ± 3.0 kg/m2; P < 0.05) and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17P < 0.05) and 17P < 0.05) and 17P < 0.05) and 17P < 0.05) and 17μg/dl; P < 0.05) and 17P < 0.05) and 17P < 0.05) and 17P < 0.05) and 17Conclusion Men with early-onset AGA and at least one among BMI >25 kg/m2, IR, and SHBG <25 nmol/l have increased DHEAS levels and a worse gonadal steroidogenesis. They might have a greater risk to develop gonadal dysfunction later in life. These criteria may be used to define male PCOS-equivalent.

Non-invasive Method for Collection of Clarias magur Spermatozoa for Breeding

Induced spawning is more inefficient in Clarias magur than in other fish species such as cyprinids and salmonids. Ovulation can be induced in the female C. magur by using pituitary extract or synthetic hormones. However, milt from the male C. magur cannot be obtained by hand stripping because the volume of seminal fluid in the testes is extremely low. Notably, similar problems are observed in other male catfishes such as C. gariepinus and C. lazera. Because milt from the males cannot be obtained for use in artificial fertilization of eggs, males are invariably sacrificed, and the testicular tissue is excised and macerated to obtain spermatozoa.•We developed an alternative approach that allowed harvesting of C. magur spermatozoa through surgery for artificial fertilization without sacrificing male fish.•The surgically obtained spermatozoa were used to inseminate C. magur eggs; the cross resulted in healthy progeny with a fertilization rate of 80%–98% and hatching of up to 85% of fertilized embryos; similar to those obtained using the conventional sacrificial approach (hatching percentage range of 45%–85%) [1].•This indicated the viability of partial surgical harvest of testicular tissue in seed production in C. magur for aquaculture without sacrificing male fish.

Non-invasive method for collection of Clarias magur (Hamilton, 1822) spermatozoa: A novel approach for catfish domestication, aquaculture and conservation

The current practice of captive breeding of Clarias magur involves killing male fish to obtain sperm for fertilisation. The sperm cannot be obtained by hand stripping because of the extremely low volume of seminal fluid in the testis. This sacrificial method of seed production has been applied to most catfish species. In this study, we reported an alternative approach that allowed harvesting of C. magur spermatozoa for artificial fertilisation without sacrificing male fish. Sexually mature C. magur males were anaesthetised and placed on the surgery table. A midline incision of 2.5 cm was made on the abdomen, and the testicular lobes were carefully lifted from the coelomic cavity. Using sterilised scissors and forceps, the testicular tissue was partially harvested, weighed to nearest 0.01 g, and macerated using a mortar and pestle in physiological saline. The abdominal incision was stitched using a surgical thread and topically treated with antimycotic ointment; subsequently, the fish were resuscitated in clean oxygenated water. Using the surgical technique, we harvested a maximum of 283 mg of testicular tissue, which corresponded to a count of 9.0 × 108 spermatozoa/mL, from a male fish weighing 210 g. By using the sacrificial approach, a maximum of 500 mg of testicular tissue, corresponding to a count of 16.0 × 108 spermatozoa/mL, was recovered from a male fish weighing 220 g. The surgically obtained spermatozoa were used to inseminate C. magur eggs; the cross resulted in healthy spawn with a fertilisation rate of 80%–98%. The results were similar to those obtained using the conventional sacrificial approach, which indicated the viability of partial surgical harvest of testicular tissue in seed production in C. magur for aquaculture without sacrificing male fish.

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.

Binucleation of male accessory gland cells in the common bed bug Cimex lectularius

The insect male accessory gland (MAG) is an internal reproductive organ responsible for the synthesis and secretion of seminal fluid components, which play a pivotal role in the male reproductive strategy. In many species of insects, the effective ejaculation of the MAG products is essential for male reproduction. For this purpose, the fruit fly Drosophila has evolved binucleation in the MAG cells, which causes high plasticity of the glandular epithelium, leading to an increase in the volume of seminal fluid that is ejaculated. However, such a binucleation strategy has only been sporadically observed in Dipteran insects, including fruit flies. Here, we report the discovery of binucleation in the MAG of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, which belongs to hemimetabolous Hemiptera phylogenetically distant from holometabolous Diptera. In Cimex, the cell morphology and timing of synchrony during binucleation are quite different from those of Drosophila. Additionally, in Drosophila, the position of the two nuclei in the adult stage changes as a result of the mating history or the nutrient conditions; however, it remains stable in Cimex. These differences suggest that binucleation in the Cimex MAG plays a unique role in the male reproductive system that is distinct from that of Drosophila.

Small dosages of alpha1 adrenoceptor antagonist on goat semen quality and seminal fluid volume

Small dosages of alpha1 adrenoceptor antagonist on goat semen quality and seminal fluid volume

Isolated follicle stimulated hormone deficiency in male: case report

BackgroundRecent rapid advances in assisted reproductive health technologies enables couples with subfertility to conceive through various intervention. Majority of treatment modalities target the female partner. However it is important to identify and treat male factor subfertility right at the outset. We report a case of isolated follicle stimulating hormone deficiency resulting in azoospermia and primary subfertility.Case presentationA 28 year otherwise healthy male presented with primary subfertility with a healthy female counterpart. He was found to have non obstructive azoospermia with low seminal fluid volume. He had normal external genitalia and potency with increased libido. Further evaluation revealed an isolated deficiency of follicle stimulating hormone with elevated testosterone levels. His luteinizing hormone and prolactin levels were normal. Contrast enhanced CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis and MRI scan of the pituitary fossa were normal too.ConclusionIn the era of modern reproductive technology it is important to further evaluate males with non-obstructive azoospermia to detect underlying gonadotropin deficiency.

The longitudinal effect of ejaculation on seminal vesicle fluid volume and whole-prostate ADC as measured on prostate MRI

ObjectiveTo prospectively investigate the longitudinal effect of ejaculatory abstinence on MRI-measured seminal vesicle (SV) volume and whole-prostate ADC over consecutive days.Methods15 healthy male volunteers (mean 35.9 years, range 27–53) underwent 3-T MRI at baseline and 1, 2 and 3 days post-ejaculation. Prostate and SV volumes were derived by volume segmentation and whole-gland apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values calculated. A mixed-effects linear regression compared ADC values and prostate/seminal vesicle volumes in each volunteer between studies in a pairwise manner.ResultsAll subjects completed the four MRIs. Mean prostate volume was 22.45 cm3 (range 13.04–31.21 cm3), with no change between the four studies (p = 0.89–0.99). 13/15 subjects showed SV volume reduction from baseline to day 1, with group-mean decreasing from 6.45 to 4.80 cm3 (−25.6%, p < 0.001), and a significant reduction from baseline to day 2 (−18.1%, p = 0.002). There was a significant volume increase from both day 1 (+21.3%, p = 0.006) and day 2 (+10.2%, p = 0.022) to day 3 post-ejaculation. There was a significant reduction in ADC from 1.105 at baseline to 1.056 × 10−3 mm2/s at day 1 (mean −4.3%, p = 0.009).ConclusionThe longitudinal effect of ejaculation on SV volume was demonstrated. Significant reductions in SV volume and whole-gland ADC were observed post-ejaculation, supporting a 3-day period of abstinence before prostate MRI.Key Points• Seminal vesicle volume significantly reduced 24 h post-ejaculation remaining reduced at day 2• Seminal vesicle fluid volume significantly increased from day 1 to day 3 post-ejaculation• There was a significant reduction in whole-gland prostate ADC values day 1 post-ejaculation• 3-day abstinence from ejaculation is required to ensure maximal seminal vesicle distension

Retrospective review on effectiveness of high-amplitude penile vibratory stimulation for conservative sperm retrieval in anejaculatory men with spinal cord injury: an Asian case series.

High-amplitude penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) is recommended as the first line method for conservative sperm retrieval in anejaculatory Caucasian men with spinal cord injury (SCI). Evidence of its effectiveness in Asian population is lacking. We described the effectiveness of high amplitude PVS for conservative sperm retrieval in the anejaculatory local men with SCI. Records of all SCI patients referred for conservative sperm retrieval trial from August 2014 to August 2015 were screened. Those who failed in artificial stimulation methods for sperm retrieval including masturbation, prostatic massage and low amplitude PVS were subjected to high amplitude PVS using Viberect X3. Data pertaining to detailed neurological findings, time to ejaculate, seminal fluid volume and its gross appearance, somatic responses at ejaculation and any adverse events were retrieved. Successful outcome is defined as occurrence of antegrade ejaculation. Thirteen out of 16 patients fulfilled all study criteria. 46% of the patients had neurological level above T6 followed by 34% with neurological level between T7-T12. Preserved reflexogenic and spontaneous erection were reported by 84.6% and successful coitus was reported by 45.4% of the patients. The overall ejaculatory success using high amplitude, high-frequency vibratory stimulation in our study was 46.15%. Among the patients with lesion at T6 and above, the ejaculatory success rate was 66.7% while for the study subjects with lesions below T6 was 33.3%. In conclusion, PVS outcome for sperm retrieval in asian population is comparable to that of Caucasian population. Its use is highly applicable in local population.

Changes in the semen quality among 5739 men seeking infertility treatment in Northern Norway over past 20 years (1993–2012)

Semen quality plays a pivotal role in sustaining the fertility rate and healthy population growth. Therefore, assessment of temporal trends in the semen quality provides valuable public health information. We analyzed the semen quality parameters of 5739 North Norwegian men among consecutive couples attending the fertility clinic of University Hospital of North Norway for investigation and/or treatment from 1993 to 2012. The seminal fluid volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count were found to have gradually decreased during the past 20 years. The proportion of hypospermic, azoospermic, and oligozoospermic men had increased by 24.6% ( p &lt; 0.001), 109.5% ( p &lt; 0.001), and 9.5% ( p = 0.05), respectively, in the last decade (2003–2012) compared to the first decade (1993–2002). The parameters of semen quality are rapidly deteriorating in North Norwegian men seeking fertility treatment.