An age-based sperm nomogram: the McGill reference guide

Abstract STUDY QUESTION How does age affect various semen parameters? SUMMARY ANSWER For most semen parameters, the nomogram of the entire population was biphasic, peaking around the fourth decade of life. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In clinical practice, semen quality is examined by using the WHO 2010 reference limits but these limits do not account for male age. A percentile-based, large-scale nomogram describing how different semen parameters change throughout reproductive life has been lacking. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A retrospective study was conducted with 12 188 sperm samples, obtained from individuals who attended the McGill University Health Centre reproductive clinic between 2009 and 2018. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS One sample from each individual who attended the clinic during the study period was analysed by using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). The analysed parameters were human-verified and included sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, total count, morphology and semen volume. Based on this analysis, the entire dataset (n = 12 188) was further divided into two groups of samples: samples that surpassed the WHO 2010 lower reference limits (‘above reference limits’ group, ARL; n = 6305), and samples that did not (‘below reference limit’ group, BRL; n = 5883). Regression quantiles were fitted as a function of age to generate age-dependent nomograms, and these quantiles were divided into 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 95th percentiles. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In the entire dataset, age had a significant influence (P < 0.001) on all parameters (except morphology) which demonstrated a biphasic trend peaking in the fourth decade of life. In the ARL group, age had a significant influence (P < 0.01) on all semen parameters except sperm concentration and morphology. However, unlike in the entire dataset, only semen volume demonstrated a biphasic trend in the ARL group (peaking in the fourth decade of life), whereas other parameters either remained unchanged (concentration and morphology) or consistently declined with age (sperm motility, progressive motility and total sperm count). Percentile-based nomograms were generated for individuals between the ages of 20 and 60 years in the entire dataset and in the ARL group. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION First, the semen samples were obtained from individuals who were referred to a fertility clinic, such that the entire dataset does not necessarily represent the general population. Second, the cross-sectional sampling design increases variance, and the nomograms are less accurate in the 5th and 95th percentiles and at the extremes of the age distributions. Third, the observed age-dependent changes in semen parameters do not necessarily indicate changes in fertility, as not all factors that affect male fertility were analysed. Fourth, some of our semen analyses employed CASA, which can have variability issues. Finally, our models did not incorporate possible secular trends. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We provide the first nomogram that correlates age with semen quality parameters in different population percentiles, thus complementing the current reference limits set by the WHO in 2010. Most examined semen parameters in our study changed non-linearly with age; therefore, age should be regularly employed as a factor in the clinical analysis of semen samples. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The authors have not received any funding to support this study. There are no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.

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The relationship between serum hormone levels (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, total testosterone) and semen parameters

Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia ◽

10.4081/aiua.2015.3.194 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 87 (3) ◽

pp. 194 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Mehmet Zeynel Keskin ◽

Salih Budak ◽

Tuǧba Zeyrek ◽

Orçun Çelik ◽

Oguz Mertoglu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Concentration ◽

Reference Value ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Total Testosterone ◽

Testosterone Levels ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Serum Hormone ◽

Serum Gonadotropin

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of serum gonadotropin and total testosterone levels on semen parameters. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and eighty-two patients that applied to a male infertility polyclinic were included in our study. Serum gonadotropin and total testosterone levels and semen parameters of the patients were analyzed during the first visit to the clinic. The reference FSH value was 1.5-12.4 mIU/mL, that of LH was 1.7-8.6 mIU/mL and the reference value for total testosterone was 249-836 ng/dL. Results: While there was no statistically significant difference between the patients with low gonadotropin levels and the controls regarding any of the semen parameters (p > 0.05), there was a strong statistically significant difference between the patients with high gonadotropin levels and the controls regarding sperm concentration (p = 0.000), total motility (p = 0.000), progressive motility (p = 0.000), and morphology (p = 0.000). There was a strong statistically significant difference between the patients with low testosterone levels and the controls regarding total motility (p = 0.012) and progressive motility (p = 0.010), and a weak statistically significant difference in morphology (p = 0.042). There was no statistically significant difference in semen volume or sperm concentration (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in any of the semen parameters between the patients with high testosterone levels and the controls (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings especially regarding LH and T levels are not in agreement with previous reports. In this regard, there is a need for larger-scale and randomized trials to resolve this discrepancy.

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Semen quality pattern and age threshold: a retrospective cross-sectional study of 71,623 infertile men in China, between 2011 and 2017

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology ◽

10.1186/s12958-019-0551-2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

W. N. Li ◽

M. M. Jia ◽

Y. Q. Peng ◽

R. Ding ◽

L. Q. Fan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Joinpoint Regression ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Infertile Men

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to provide information on the semen quality pattern of infertile men and age thresholds for semen parameters in China. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study investigating 71,623 infertile men from the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC Xiangya in Hunan, China, from 2011 to 2017. The Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Kendall test, linear regression model and joinpoint regression were used. Results Although erratic changes were observed in the median semen parameters (sperm concentration 40.1–52.1 × 106/ml, total sperm count 117.8–153.1 × 106, sperm progressive motility 33.4–38.1%) during the 7 years of observation, no significant decrease in semen quality was found, and 47.88% of infertile men showed normal semen parameters according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. According to the joinpoint regression analysis, sperm progressive motility appeared to decrease earlier than the sperm concentration and total sperm count (at 28, 58, and 42 years of age, respectively). Conclusions There is no evidence of a deterioration in semen quality among infertile men in Hunan, China. Semen parameters decreased with increasing age, with turning points noted at different ages. Semen parameters are not absolute evidence for the assessment of male fertility potential. Therefore, we believe that, among semen parameters, the sperm concentration is the best predictor of fertility for ART, followed by motility. Decreased sperm motility may affect natural pregnancy, but it is not necessary for successful IVF.

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Semen Parameters of Fertile Men Attending Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital

Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology ◽

10.3126/njog.v9i2.11772 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 87-91

Author(s):

B Lamichhane ◽

J R Baral ◽

R Manandhar ◽

A Shrestha

Keyword(s):

Teaching Hospital ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

University Teaching ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Institute Of Medicine ◽

Time To Pregnancy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Reference Limit ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Reference Limits

Aims: This study was done to analyze the semen parameters of fertile Nepalese men with a known time to pregnancy of less than or equal to 12 months and to compare the values obtained with the newer reference limit of WHO, 2010.Methods: A hospital based prospective cross- sectional study was conducted at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, from 15th April 2012 – 15th April 2013. Sixty fertile men with a known time to pregnancy (TTP) ≤ 12 months were included in the study and semen collection and analysis done at the laboratory of Department of Pathology. Results: The following one-sided reference limits, the fifth centile (with 95th percent confidence interval), were generated: semen volume, 1.0 ml (0.8-1.2); total sperm number, 25 million per ejaculate (11-39); sperm concentration, 10 million per ml (5-15); progressive motility, 15% (10-20); total (progressive plus non-progressive motility) motility, 30% (25 -35); vitality 50% (46-54); morphologically normal form, 99% (99.3- 99.4). Conclusions: The study concluded that only a single semen parameter cannot be conclusive of fertility, therefore combination of all semen parameters is more predictive. In addition the study also concluded that the semen parameters of Nepalese fertile men were found lower as compared to reference limits of WHO. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v9i2.11772

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116. EFFECTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL VITAMIN ON THE SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF MARKHOZ GOATS DURING NON-BREEDING SEASON

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/srb09abs116 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 21 (9) ◽

pp. 35

Author(s):

A. Towhidi ◽

A. Farshad ◽

M. Dolatpanah ◽

R. Salehi

Keyword(s):

Vitamin E ◽

Breeding Season ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Semen Characteristics ◽

Supplemental Vitamin ◽

Diet Control ◽

Live Sperm

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E on the semen characteristics of the Markhoz goats. Eighth bucks were randomly allocated into two groups, and received two different diets: unsupplemented diet (control) and supplemented diet with vitamin E (0.30 g/Kg DM). All experimental diets were formulated according to AFRC 1998. Semen was collected at 14-days intervals from June 17, 2006 to September 2, 2006 (non-breeding season) using artificial vagina. Semen characteristics were evaluated including semen volume, sperm concentration, live sperm percentage, percentage of motility and progressive motility. This characteristics were evaluated at two weeks intervals the trial. The total number of spermatozoa per ejaculation was calculated by multiplication of the semen volume with sperm concentration. Sperm motility was also analyzed by placing a sample on pre-warmed (37 º C) microscope slide covered with a cover slip, and examined under a high power microscope at a magnification × 200. Data was analyzed using proc MIXED in SAS program. Significant effect (P≤0.05) of the week (sampling time) was observed for all the parameters except for semen volume. Vitamin E supplementation significantly improved (P≤0.05) total number (Control: 263.7 ×107±17.506 vs. Vit E: 320.95 ×107±17.506) and sperm concentration (Control: 301.79 ×107±13.657 vs. Vit E: 386.57 ×107± 13.657), motility (Control: 77.27% ±0.89 vs. Vit E: 82.6% ±0.89) and progressive motility (Control: 4.208 ±0.138 vs. Vit E: 4.229 ±0.138), percentage of viability (Control: 80.57% ±0.89 vs. Vit E: 85.9% ±0.89). The results suggested that the supplemental Vitamin E may improve the semen quality and fertility in the Markhoz goats.

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PSI-9 Evaluation of an Electronically-controlled Floor Cooling Pad on Semen Quality in Boars During Moderate Heat Stress

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab054.364 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 222-223

Author(s):

Hailey M Hedrick ◽

Larissa K Shirley ◽

Tyler Fields ◽

Allan P Schinckel ◽

Jay S Johnson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Lower Percentage ◽

Controlled Cooling ◽

Study Objective ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Motion Parameters ◽

Kinematic Motion

Abstract Heat stress (HS) decreases semen quality and production in boars. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate the use of electronically-controlled cooling pads to reduce the negative effects of HS on semen quality. Boars (n=24) were randomly allotted to two treatment groups: boars housed on a non-functional cooling pad (CON) or pads flushing water every 8 minutes or when the pad reached 28.5°C (FLUSH). For 3 d, boars were subjected to cyclical HS (28 to 32°C; >50% relative humidity). Semen was collected for 7 weeks (2 weeks prior to determine baseline semen parameters, the day after HS, and weekly for 4 weeks post HS), and evaluated for volume, sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, morphology, viability, and kinematic motion parameters. FLUSH boars had higher semen volumes compared to CON (P=0.011) without a corresponding increase in total sperm produced (P=0.852). Boars in FLUSH had higher motility in all weeks (87.0–90.8%) when compared to CON boars. FLUSH boars had higher motility starting in week 4 after HS compared to CON (P=0.017). No differences in progressive motility or kinematic motion parameters were found. There was a tendency for FLUSH boars to have a higher percent normal morphology compared to CON boars (83.1 vs 77.5%, P=0.083) resulting from decreased proximal and distal droplets in the FLUSH boars (P=0.029 and P=.0014, respectively). During week 2 post HS, there was a tendency for FLUSH boars to have a lower percentage of non-viable cells compared to all other weeks for FLUSH and CON boars (P=0.088). Cooling pads were effective at reducing the negative impacts of HS on semen volume, motility, and morphological abnormalities.

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P–024 Health and lifestyle detrimental conditions may impact the association between patient age and semen parameters in male populations

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/deab130.023 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

M C Guglielmo ◽

M Vitali ◽

R Iemmello ◽

I Caliari ◽

S Maruccia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Age Groups ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Paternal Age ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Male Population ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Fertility Clinic ◽

The Impact

Abstract Study question Can health and lifestyle detrimental conditions impact the relationship between paternal age and semen quality parameters in a male population? Summary answer Health and lifestyle detrimental conditions can attenuate the negative relationship between age and sperm concentration in a male population. What is known already Paternal age has increased in parallel with maternal age but its contribution in couple subfertility deserves further investigation. Previous studies suggest that paternal ageing is associated with reduced semen volume and impaired sperm morphology and motility, but not with reduced sperm concentration. Several health and lifestyle conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and smoking can negatively affect semen quality. Since the distribution of these conditions is not homogeneous throughout men’s reproductive life, one can hypothesize that their presence may confound the association between paternal age and semen quality parameters in male populations. Study design, size, duration This is a retrospective study with data from 5565 men examined in a single fertility clinic between 2015 and 2020. The impact of health and lifestyle conditions was assessed by comparing the effects of age on semen parameters in two different patient populations: the overall patient population and a subpopulation excluding patients with detrimental health or lifestyle characteristics, both divided in 4 age groups (A: 25–34, B: 35–39, C: 40–44 and D: ≥45 years). Participants/materials, setting, methods The study includes 5565 men aged 24 to 72 years providing semen samples to assess volume, progressive motility and concentration (WHO) in a single fertility clinic. Patients presenting diabetes, heart/circulatory diseases, andrological disorders, genital neoplasms, cystic fibrosis, Y microdeletions, abusive alcohol intake, smoking and/or recreational use of drugs were excluded from the healthy subpopulation. The effect of age on semen parameters was assessed by ANOVA (motility and volume) or Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA (concentration). Main results and the role of chance: Of 5565 men included in the study, 2150 (38.6%) did not present any of the detrimental health and lifestyle conditions described above. In the overall patient population, semen volume [Mean±SD (mL); A: 3.14 ± 1.55, B: 3.01 ± 1.53, C: 2.83 ± 1.52, D: 2.65 ± 1.58; p < 0.001] and sperm progressive motility [Mean±SD (%); A: 33.1 ± 18.0, B: 31.7 ± 17.7, C: 31.4 ± 17.5, D: 28.4 ± 17.5; p < 0.001] gradually and significantly decreased with paternal age. The same effect was observed in the patient subpopulation excluding detrimental health and lifestyle conditions [(mL; A: 3.21 ± 1.58, B: 3.05 ± 1.51, C: 2.89 ± 1.59, D: 2.78 ± 1.50; p < 0.001); (%; A: 35.85 ± 17.4, B: 33.7 ± 17.4, C: 32.2 ± 17.1, D: 30.3 ± 16.5; p < 0.001)]. However, sperm concentration significantly decreased with paternal age in the subpopulation excluding detrimental health and lifestyle conditions [(Mean±SD) million/mL; A: 43.19 ± 41.0, B: 38.8 ± 38.6, C: 38.4 ± 34.6, D: 36.6 ± 33.9; p < 0.001], but not in the overall population (million/mL; A: 38.17 ± 40.9, B: 36.7 ± 34.7, C: 35.3 ± 35.1, D: 35. 1± 37.5; p = 0.088). Limitations, reasons for caution This study is limited by its retrospective nature and by the accuracy of data on health and lifestyle conditions provided by the patients. Differences between age groups not controlled for in the study could also impact the results. Wider implications of the findings: Ours findings suggest that health and lifestyle conditions may confound the effects of age on semen and sperm quality. Therefore, these data constitute a useful reference for the accurate assessment of the impact of male age on fertility. Trial registration number Not applicable

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Association between obesity-associated markers and semen quality parameters and serum reproductive hormones in Chinese infertile men

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology ◽

10.1186/s12958-020-00652-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jian-Xiong Ma ◽

Bin Wang ◽

Hai-Song Li ◽

Xue-Juan Jiang ◽

Jia Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Reproductive Hormones ◽

Normal Group ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Infertile Men ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background The current evidence on the association between obesity-associated markers and semen quality, serum reproductive hormones and lipids remains inconsistent. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that, in infertile Chinese men, body mass index (BMI) negatively correlates with sperm concentration, serum total testosterone (TT), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The relationship between other obesity-associated markers and semen quality parameters, serum reproductive hormones, lipids and leptin were also investigated. Methods 181 Chinese infertile men were recruited from September 2018 to September 2019. Their obesity-associated markers, semen parameters, and serum reproductive hormones, lipids and leptin were detected. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationship between obesity-associated markers and semen quality, serum reproductive hormones, lipids and leptin. Result(s) Statistically negative correlation was found between other obesity-associated markers (e.g. waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio) and semen parameters (e.g. sperm concentration, ratio of progressive motility and ratio of non-progressive motility), while no significant correlation was found between BMI and semen quality, serum reproductive hormones, lipids and leptin. Ratio of morphologically normal sperm was negatively correlated with serum lipids including total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), leptin and seminal superoxide dismutase. Ratio of progressive sperm, sperm concentration and ratio of morphologically normal sperm exhibited significantly lower values in overweight group than normal group. Estradiol (E2) and E2/TT were significantly higher in obese group than normal group, while TT level was significantly lower in obese group than normal group. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that TC was significantly associated with BMI. Serum leptin concentration was positively correlated with seminal leptin concentration in overweight and obese groups. Conclusion(s) No significant correlation was found between BMI and sperm concentration, serum TT and HDL-C, while other obesity-associated markers were found to negatively correlate with sperm concentration, ratio of progressive motility and ratio of non-progressive motility. Statistically significant correlations between serum reproductive hormones, lipids and leptin also existed in Chinese infertile men.

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80 Use of an Electronically-controlled Floor Cooling Pad During Heat Stress on Thermoregulatory and Reproductive Performance in Boars

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab054.174 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 107-107

Author(s):

Larissa K Shirley ◽

Tyler Field ◽

Allan P Schinckel ◽

Jay S Johnson ◽

Robert Stwalley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Controlled Cooling ◽

Ir Camera ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Negative Impacts ◽

Kinematic Motion

Abstract This study was designed to evaluate the effects of electronically-controlled floor cooling pads on thermoregulatory and reproductive parameters in boars during heat stress (HS). Boars (n = 24) were randomly assigned to crates with non-functional pads (CON) or pads that were flushed in either 8-min intervals or when the pad reached 28.5°C (FLUSH). For 3 d, boars were subjected to cyclical HS (28 to 35°C; >65% relative humidity). Boars were fed 2.4 kg/d and daily feed intake was recorded. Respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (Rtemp) and skin temperature were recorded every 2 h during HS (via IR camera), testicular temperature was recorded twice daily. Semen was collected d7 and d14 before HS, the day following HS and weekly for 6 weeks and evaluated for volume, sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, morphological abnormalities, and viability. After 2 h of HS, FLUSH boars had reduced RR (P < 0.001) and RTemp (P < 0.001) when compared to control boars, and this difference was maintained throughout HS. Skin and testicular temperature were reduced in FLUSH vs. CON boars after 6 h of HS (P < 0.05). Semen volume was greater in FLUSH vs CON boars (P = 0.01) resulting in a tendency for an increase in total sperm per ejaculate (P = 0.075). From weeks 2 to 5 post-HS, FLUSH boars had increased motility (P = 0.006) and progressive motility (P = 0.001), with corresponding increases in sperm kinematic motion parameters when compared to CON boars. The number of morphologically normal sperm cells were increased (P = 0.006) in FLUSH vs CON boars due to reduced distal droplets (P = 0.033) and proximal droplets (P < 0.001). Abnormal acrosomes were reduced (P < 0.001) in FLUSH vs CON boars at week 3 post-HS. In summary, electronically controlled cooling pads effectively reduced negative thermoregulatory indicators of HS and minimized or removed the negative impacts of HS on semen quality in boars.

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Association of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, Physical Activity, and Their Combination with Semen Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12010039 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 39

Author(s):

Anna Danielewicz ◽

Jakub Morze ◽

Mariusz Przybyłowicz ◽

Katarzyna Eufemia Przybyłowicz

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dash Diet ◽

Progressive Motility

The influence of individual lifestyle factors is widely described in studies on semen quality. However, their synergistic effect is often neglected. The aim of the study was to examine the association between semen quality and dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet, physical activity (PA), and the two separately and in combination. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 207 men aged 20–55. Dietary data were collected by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and analysed according to the DASH scoring index. Physical activity was evaluated by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Semen parameters were assessed via the computer-aided semen analysis (CASA). Adherence to the DASH diet was associated with higher sperm count (ΔT3-T1 = 82.1 mln/ej) and concentration (ΔT3-T1 = 24.6 mln/mL). Higher PA was related to higher sperm count (ΔT3-T1 = 69.4 mln/ej), total (ΔT3-T1 = 11.9%), and progressive motility (ΔT3-T1 = 8.5%) and morphology (ΔT3-T1 = 2.8%) in the crude model and remained significant after adjustment. The combination of the DASH diet and PA, was significantly positively associated with sperm count (ΔT3-T1 = 98.1 mln/ej), sperm concentration (ΔT3-T1 = 17.5 mln/mL), total (ΔT3-T1 = 11.8%), and progressive motility (ΔT3-T1 = 10.0%) and morphology (ΔT3-T1 = 3.3%) in both models. Adherence to the DASH diet was related to higher sperm count and concentration, whereas after its combination with physical activity it was also positively correlated with sperm motility and morphology.

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Sexually transmitted infections and semen quality from subfertile men with and without leukocytospermia

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology ◽

10.1186/s12958-021-00769-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Shun Bai ◽

Yuan Li ◽

Yangyang Wan ◽

Tonghang Guo ◽

Qi Jin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Ureaplasma Urealyticum ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Detection Rates ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background The role of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in semen parameters and male infertility is still a controversial area. Previous studies have found bacterial infection in a minority of infertile leukocytospermic males. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of STIs in semen from subfertile men with leukocytospermia (LCS) and without leukocytospermia (non-LCS) and their associations with sperm quality. Methods Semen samples were collected from 195 men who asked for a fertility evaluation. Infection with the above 6 pathogens was assessed in each sample. Sperm quality was compared in subfertile men with and without LCS. Results The LCS group had significantly decreased semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility and normal morphology. The infection rates of Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uuu), Ureaplasma parvum (Uup), Mycoplasma hominis (MH), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) were 8.7 %, 21.0 %, 8.2 %, 2.1 %, 3.6 %, 1.0 and 0 %, respectively. The STI detection rates of patients with LCS were higher than those of the non-LCS group (52.3 % vs. 39.3 %), although there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.07). All semen parameters were not significantly different between LCS with STIs and without STIs, except the semen volume in the MG-infected patients with LCS was significantly lower than that in the noninfected group. Conclusions LCS was associated with a reduction in semen quality, but was not associated with STIs.

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