Semen analysis

Europe, the USA and Japan are under way. In these studies, semen analysis methodology and subject selection criteria have been standardised to address whether there are region-specific differences in semen quality. These data can then be used as a reference point for any studies on future decline in sperm counts. More importantly, it still remains to be demonstrated whether the reported decrease in semen quality is sufficient to compromise fertility. 

Ratcliffe JM, Schrader SM, Turner TW, et al. 1986. The use of new field methods of semen analysis in the study of occupational hazards to reproduction The example of ethylene dibromide. The Changing Nature of Work and Workforces, Proceedings of the Third Joint US-Finnish Science Symposium, Frankfort, Kentucky October 22-24, 1986. Cincinnati, OFI National Institute for Occupational Safety and Flealth (NIOSFI), 103-106. 

Jorgensen N, Auger J, Giwercman A, Irvine DS, Jensen TK, Jouannet P, Keiding N, Le Bon C, MacDonald E, Pekuri AM, Scheike T. Simonsen M, Suominen M, Suominen J, Skakkebaaek NE (1997) Semen analysis performed by different laboratory teams an intervention study. Int J Androl. 20 201-208. 

Williams J, Gladen BC, SchraderSM, TurnerTW, Phelps JL, Chapin RE (1990) Semen analysis and fertility assessment in rabbits Statistical power and design considerations for toxicology studies. Fundam Appl Toxicol, 16 651-665. 

Another question that needs to be considered is whether fertility studies conducted in nonhuman primates provide sufficient useful safety information for the patients to justify the use of the animals The one aspect of the nonhuman primate fertility studies that cannot accurately be assessed is fertility. Nonhuman primates have a naturally low fertility rate [37] and high spontaneous abortion rate [38] such that the number of animals that would be required to demonstrate a meaningful effect on fertility would be too large to be practical or ethical. Therefore the fertility studies in nonhuman primates focus on evaluation of hormone levels and semen analysis. This limited information provides minimal safety information over and above the standard toxicology endpoints, and therefore the value of conducting these studies should be carefully considered. 

A complete and up-to-date reproductive history should be obtained and available for all naval personnel (men and women active duty and reservists). Such a history should be updated annually or after a reproductive outcome. This would provide important baseline information and permit study of maternally and paternally mediated effects. The reproductive history should address sexual activity and inactivity, sexual libido, sexual dysfunction, semen analysis, menstruation history, pregnancy intentions, time-to-pregnancy (conception delays, fecundability, infertility), and pregnancy outcomes (e.g., ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous loss, fetal demise, birth size, secondary sex ratios, birth defects, mental retardation, developmental disabilities). Recording this information is in keeping with the definition for reproductive health and the need to address all health aspects of individuals. 

Semen analysis was done every A to 12 weeks and after abstinence from sexual activity for 3 to 7 days before ejaculation. Analysis was done within 30 min of ejaculation. Results of sperm count were expressed in concentration of sperm per milliliter as well as total number of sperm per ejaculate. A mean of two to five sperm counts during each phase of the study were calculated. Oligospermia was defined as a total sperm count less than AO million per ejaculate. 

The laboratory evaluation of male infertility is separated into three main components (1) the semen analysis, (2) endocrine parameters, and (3) immunological parameters. A basic approach to the diagnosis of male factor infertility is shown in Figure 53-15. 

Semen Analysis. The semen analysis measures ejaculate volume, pH, sperm count, motility, and forward progression. Semen should be analyzed within 1 hour after collection. Although the semen analysis is not a test for infertility, it is considered the most important laboratory test in the evaluation of male fertility. Controversy exists as to what constitutes a normal semen profile. With the exception of the azoospermic male (defined as no sperm in the ejaculate), the lines between fertility and infertility are blurred, and are intimately associated with the status of the female partner s reproductive function. However, clinical studies of infertile men and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines have helped establish hmits of adequacy (Table 53-4). "... 

From Glezerman M, Bartoov B, Semen analysis. In Insler V, Lunenfeld B, eds. Infertility male and female, 2nd ed. New York Churchill Livingstone, 1993 285-315,... 

Colao A, Vitale G, Cappabianca P, et al. Outcome of cabergoline treatment in men with prolactinoma Effects of a 24-month treatment on prolactin levels, tumor mass, recovery of pituitary function, and semen analysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2004 89 1704-1711. 

Lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid examination Paracentesis Pericardiocentesis Secretin-pancreozymin Semen analysis Sims-Huhner test Sweat electrolytes test Tau protein... 

Harper, M.J.K. (1994). Gamete and gote transport, in The physiology of Reproduction (E. Knobil and J.D. NerU, eds.), pp. 123-187. Raven Press, New York. Hong, C.Y., Chao, H.T., Tsai, K.L. and Ng, H.T. (1991). Evaluation of human sperm motflity by means of transmembrane migration method and computer-assisted semen analysis—a comparison study. Andrologia 23, 7-10. 

The most common semen abnormality in patients with varicocele and infertility is poor sperm motility, followed by abnormal morphology, and then depression of sperm count. The isolated finding of abnormal sperm motility has been referred to as a stress pattern. The normal World Health Organization (WHO) values [13] for the commonly evaluated parameters studied during semen analysis include the following ... 

If no reflux is seen into the L ISV on either the left renal venogram or selective L ISV origin injection, but there is clear sonographic or physical examination evidence of a varicocele, we routinely assume that the patient has retroperitoneal or pelvic bypassing collaterals and believe that embolization of the ISV is still indicated. If, however, the only abnormality is the semen analysis, and there is no physical exam or imaging evidence of reflux or varicocele,... 

The two parameters that are usually evaluated in the assessment of the dinical efficacy of the treatment are semen analysis changes and the pregnancy rate. 

A. Semen analysis The following information excerpted from the document Evaluation of Testicular Function , submitted by the Corporate Medical Department of the Shell Oil Company (e) ibit 39-3), may be useful to physicians conducting the medical surveillance program ... 

Comhaire, K Vermeulen, L. Human semen analysis. Hum. Reprod. Update 1995,1, 343-362. 

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