scholarly journals Semen analysis with regard to sperm number, sperm morphology and functional aspects

2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rune Eliasson
2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Best ◽  
M Kuchakulla ◽  
K Khodamoradi ◽  
T Lima ◽  
F Frech ◽  
...  

Abstract Study question Is the SARS-CoV–2 virus present in human semen and what is the impact on semen parameters following an infection? Summary answer SARS-CoV–2 infection, though not detected in semen of recovered men, can affect TSN in ejaculate in the acute setting. What is known already Early epidemiological data has suggested that the primary mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets, but the presence of SARS-CoV–2 has been identified in other bodily fluids such as feces, urine, and semen. Study design, size, duration We prospectively recruited thirty men diagnosed with acute SARS-CoV–2 infection using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of pharyngeal swab specimens. Thirty semen samples from recovered men were obtained 11–64 days after testing positive for SAR-CoV–2 infection. The median duration between positive SAR-CoV–2 test and semen collection was 37 days (IQR=23). Participants/materials, setting, methods Semen samples were collected from each individual using mailed kits. Follow-up semen samples were done with mailed kits or in-person in office setting. Semen analysis and PCR was performed after samples were received. Main results and the role of chance The median total sperm number (TSN) in ejaculate was 12.5 million (IQR=53.1). When compared with age-matched SARS-CoV–2(-) men, TSN was lower among SARS-CoV–2(+) men (p = 0.0024). Five men completed a follow-up sperm analysis (median 3 months) and had a median TSN of 18 million (IQR=21.6). No RNA was detected by means of RT-PCR in the semen in 16 samples tested. Limitations, reasons for caution First, most of the semen samples came from non-severe men of whom were in the recovery stage and lacked symptoms. Additionally, our sample size was relatively small and overnight mail-in semen analysis kits were used during the acute phase of infection to minimize contact with positive subjects. Wider implications of the findings: Our findings suggest extremely low risk of viral transmission during sexual contact and assisted reproductive techniques, although further data need to be obtained. The impact on TSC in recovered men from SARS-CoV–2 infection is concerning, nevertheless long-term follow-up of these men is critical to determine the nadir of TSC. Trial registration number 20200401


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (19) ◽  
pp. 1417-1421
Author(s):  
Jyothi A. Raj ◽  
Heera Sankar ◽  
Sagarika Mahapatra ◽  
Ashima Binny

BACKGROUND Semen analysis is an integral part of work up for infertility in men, with sperm morphology being an important qualitative parameter. Qualitative defects can affect any part of the sperm and are classified as defects in the head, middle piece, and tail, based on morphology. The focus of the study was to assess qualitative defects in sperms by light microscopy, in semen with normal sperm counts. METHODS This study is hospital based, descriptive, retrospective study. Of the semen samples received in the clinical laboratory, fifty with normal sperm counts were included in the study and processed according to standard protocol. For evaluation of qualitative defects by sperm morphology, smears were fixed in ethanol, stained with Papanicolaou stain [PAP], and assessed under light microscope. RESULTS The 50 semen samples included in the study had sperm counts ranging from 15 to 80 million / ml. Thirty samples had less than 10 % abnormal forms, fourteen samples had 11 - 20 % abnormal forms, five samples had 21 - 30 % abnormal forms and one sample had 40 % abnormal sperms. Qualitative defects were classified as morphological abnormalities in head, neck, and tail. Of the fifty cases, most defects were found in the head, followed by those in the neck and tail. Common defects noted were double head (44 %), abnormal sized heads, and bent neck (48 %). Coiling was a common defect noted in the tail (10 %). Most sperms showed a combination of defects. CONCLUSIONS Qualitative defects in sperm morphology are often seen in samples with normal sperm counts. Assessment of microscopic characteristics of human spermatozoa is as important as count and motility in the complete evaluation and work-up of semen samples in cases of infertility. KEY WORDS Semen, Sperm, Quality, Microscopy, Morphology


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 270-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ira Ariyati ◽  
Rahmad Mulyadi ◽  
Ponco Birowo ◽  
Budi Wiweko ◽  
Joedo Prihartono

Background: Varicocele is a condition characterized by elongation, dilatation and tortuousity of spermatic vein in pampiniform plexus. Approximately 50% of infertility cases among men are caused by varicocele. The varicocele may affect the components of sperm. This study aimed to determine the association between varicocele grade based on ultrasound Doppler examination and sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm morphology based on semen analysis examination.Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study which used secondary data from 85 patients that visited Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, then underwent ultrasonography examination at Department of Radiology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital and semen analysis examination at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital.Results: Varicocele grade was significantly associated with sperm morphology, concentration and motility (all p<0.05). Significant association was found between maximum condition and semen analysis component.Conclusion: Varicocele grade may affect semen analysis component.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (9) ◽  
pp. 4134-4142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong-liang Zhu ◽  
Hong-guo Zhang ◽  
Rui-xue Wang ◽  
Yu-ting Jiang ◽  
Rui-zhi Liu

Objective This study aimed to re-evaluate the clinical value of a 4% cut-off threshold of sperm morphology in in vitro fertilization (IVF) in a cohort of a Northeastern Chinese population. Methods A total of 375 IVF cycles that met strict inclusion criteria were included. These cycles were conducted with semen analysis and oocyte fertilization. A total of 188 embryo-transferred cycles proceeded. According to sperm morphology, 375 cycles were divided into group 1 (329 cycles, <4% normal sperm morphology rate [NSMR]) and group 2 (46 cycles, ≥4% NSMR), and 188 transferred cycles into group A (151 cycles, < 4% NSMR) and group B (37 cycles, ≥4% NSMR). Results The fertilization and normal fertilization rates were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2. The normal fertilization rate was significantly correlated with an NSMR < 4% or ≥4%, but the fertilization rate was not significantly correlated with the NSMR. No significant differences were found in pregnancy outcomes between groups A and B. Conclusions This study suggests that infertile patients with an NSMR < 4% are more likely to have a poor normal fertilization status in IVF.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carles Soler ◽  
Almudena García-Molina ◽  
María Sancho ◽  
Jesús Contell ◽  
Manuel Núñez ◽  
...  

Sperm morphology analysis is a fundamental component of semen analysis, but its real significance has been clouded by the plethora of techniques used for its evaluation. Most involve different fixation and staining procedures that induce artefacts. Herein we describe Trumorph (Proiser R+D, Paterna, Spain), a new method for sperm morphology analysis based on examination of wet preparations of spermatozoa immobilised, after a short 60°C shock, in narrow chambers and examined by negative phase contrast microscopy. A range of morphological forms was observed, similar to those found using conventional fixed and stained preparations, but other forms were also found, distinguishable only by the optics used. The ease of preparation makes the Trumorph a robust method applicable for the analysis of living unmodified spermatozoa in a range of situations. Subsequent studies on well-characterised samples are required to describe the morphology of spermatozoa with fertilising potential.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Agarwal ◽  
M K Panne. Selvam

Abstract Study question Can LensHooke X1 PRO semen analyzer be used to evaluate sperm morphology in men with infertility? Summary answer Morphology results generated by X1 PRO are highly reliable when normal sperm forms are ≥4% and therefore they can be reported in such cases . What is known already Most laboratories rely on manual evaluation of sperm morphology smears, which is a time-consuming procedure and its results are subjected to a relatively high variability. However, in recent years the computer-assisted semen analyzers are being increasingly used to evaluate sperm morphology. The X1 PRO semen quality analyzer was designed for in vitro diagnostic use to analyze sperm concentration, total, progressive and non-progressive motility as well as sperm morphology based on WHO 5th edition criteria. Evaluation of sperm morphology using X1 PRO based on AIOM (Artificial Intelligence Optical Microscopic)-based technology requires no fixation steps or staining unlike the manual method. Study design, size, duration This cross-sectional study used 31 semen samples from 8 normozoospermic healthy volunteers and 5 infertile men with a minimum abstinence period between 2 - 3 days. While the 8 healthy semen donors produced a total of 26 ejaculates, which were split into 88 aliquots, the 5 infertile patients produced 5 ejaculates that were split into 13 aliquots. Participants/materials, setting, methods A total of 101 aliquots were prepared from the native semen samples either by dilution or concentration using seminal plasma of the respective donors. Automated semen analysis was performed by the X1 PRO semen analyzer and the results of sperm morphology were compared with manual morphology results using Diff-Quik staining. Statistical analysis was carried out to calculate the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of X1 PRO semen analyzer. Main results and the role of chance The X1 PRO sperm morphology results show a weak non-significant (P = 0.2441) correlation (r = 0.119) with the manual results. However, X1 PRO demonstrated a high PPV (97.7%) and a low NPV (9.1%) for correct assessment of sperm morphology (≥4%) when compared to manual results. Due to its high PPV, laboratories can report the morphology results generated by X1 PRO in all such cases when normal sperm forms are ≥4%. However, a manual evaluation is necessary in patients with abnormal morphology (&lt;4%). Limitations, reasons for caution One of the limitation of this study is that X1 PRO morphology values did not correlate with manual results. The low NPV seen in our study is due to the inclusion of very few samples with abnormal sperm forms (&lt;4%) in the analysis. Wider implications of the findings: The X1 PRO’s combination of speed, ease of use, accuracy and portability makes it a good choice of device for small medical offices to large IVF centers. High PPV of X1 PRO allows it to correctly identify normal sperm forms for diagnostic use. Trial registration number 18–771


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Ganeva ◽  
D Parvanov ◽  
M Handzhiyska ◽  
G Stamenov

Abstract Study question To evaluate the effect of swim-up on the percentage of certain morphological defects in the semen population Summary answer Swim-up preparation led to significantly lower percentage of spermatozoa with cytoplasmic droplets, thick neck and also multiple defects. What is known already Swim-up is routinely used sperm preparation technique in ART practice. It is widely known that swim-up enhances sperm quality in terms of motility and sperm morphology. However, the effect of swim-up on the frequency of occurrence of the specific sperm morphological abnormalities is still missing. Study design, size, duration This observational study involved 30 teratozoospermic patients of Nadezhda Women’s Health hospital between December 2020 and January 2021. Sperm morphology was evaluated before and after swim-up preparation. Participants/materials, setting, methods Native semen was liquefied and was subjected to swim up. Semen analysis performed according to WHO 2010. Native semen and swim up samples from the same men were subjected to Kruger strict morphological evaluation. The analyzed sperm morphological defects included: head defects (large, small, tapered, pyriform, round, amorphous and double heads); midpiece defects (bent, asymmetrical, thin, thick, presence of cytoplasmic droplet); tail defects (short, hairpin, bent, coiled tail and terminal droplet) and multiple defects. Main results and the role of chance Wilcoxon paired test showed that the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa was significantly higher in the swim-up samples in comparison to the native semen (8.5±4.2% vs 4.9±3.2%, p &lt; 0.05). In addition, the percentage of spermatozoa bearing multiple defects was found to be significantly lower in the swim-up samples than in the native semen (25.8±11.6% vs 37.0±15.0%, p &lt; 0.05). Two specific sperm morphological defects were found to be significantly lower after swim-up preparation: the presence of cytoplasmic droplets (6.0±1.0% vs 8.6±1.5%, p &lt; 0.05) and the thick neck (9.7±5.5% vs 12.8±5.8%, p &lt; 0.05). No significant different were observed in the other morphological defects between swim up samples and native semen (p &gt; 0.05). Limitations, reasons for caution Results obtained from this study need to be confirmed by larger group of samples. Wider implications of the findings: Our study showed a significant reduction of certain midpiece defects after swim-up. The observed selection of spermatozoa without thick necks and cytoplasmic droplets explains the effectiveness of swim-up on ART. In addition, the obtained results can serve as a guide for future validation of new sperm preparation techniques. Trial registration number Not applicable


2005 ◽  
Vol 123 (4) ◽  
pp. 161-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernardo Passos Sobreiro ◽  
Antonio Marmo Lucon ◽  
Fábio Firmbach Pasqualotto ◽  
Jorge Hallak ◽  
Kelly Silveira Athayde ◽  
...  

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have shown regional and population differences in semen characteristics. The objective was to establish reference values for semen analysis and to verify the effect that age, length of sexual abstinence, seasonality, smoking habits and coffee consumption have on fertile individuals’ semen characteristics. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study in the Urology Division, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo. METHODS: Between September 1999 and August 2002, 500 fertile men requesting a vasectomy for sterilization purposes were asked to provide a semen sample before the vasectomy. We evaluated the effects of age, sexual abstinence, seasonality, smoking and coffee consumption on semen characteristics. RESULTS: Compared with World Health Organization values, 87.2% of the patients presented sperm morphology below the normal level. A significant decline in semen volume, sperm motility and sperm morphology in patients over 45 years of age was observed. In patients with 5 days or more of abstinence, there was reduced sperm motility. The lowest values for sperm concentration, motility and morphology were observed in summer and the highest in winter. No differences in semen parameters relating to smoking were detected. Patients who drank six or more cups of coffee per day presented higher sperm motility. CONCLUSIONS: Our sample had a very low percentage of normal sperm morphology. Only sperm morphology showed a high abnormality rate. Differences in semen parameters with regard to age, length of sexual abstinence, seasonality and coffee consumption were identified. No differences relating to smoking were detected.


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