scholarly journals P–070 Evaluation of SARS-CoV–2 in human semen and effect on total sperm number: A prospective observational study

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Best ◽  
M Kuchakulla ◽  
K Khodamoradi ◽  
T Lima ◽  
F Frech ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Human Semen ◽  
Sperm Number ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Reproductive Techniques ◽  
The Impact

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

scholarly journals P–097 The impact of SARS-CoV–2 on male gonadal function. A longitudinal study

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M P Lauritsen ◽  
T D Leineweber ◽  
C B Hansen ◽  
U V Schneider ◽  
H Westh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Endocrine Function ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Reproductive Hormone ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Hormone Profile ◽  
Oropharyngeal Swab ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Study question Can severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV–2) be detected in the semen of SARS-CoV–2 positive men, and does SARS-CoV–2 infection affect male reproductive function? Summary answer No SARS-CoV–2 RNA was detected in semen. An impact of SARS-CoV–2 infection on semen quality and reproductive hormone profile awaits evaluation at 3 + 6 months follow-up. What is known already SARS-CoV–2 may use angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 as an entry point into the cell. As ACE2 is expressed in testicular tissue, it has been speculated that SARS-CoV–2 may affect the male reproductive system. A cohort study including 38 male COVID–19 patients showed that SARS-CoV–2 was present in the semen of six patients (15.8%) [Li et al., 2020]. Later studies including a total of 223 patients have not provided evidence of transmission of SARS-CoV–2 via semen. There are to date no available longitudinal studies on semen quality following SARS-CoV–2 infection. Study design, size, duration Longitudinal cohort study including 50 non-hospitalized men from the general population in the Capital Region of Denmark. All participants had a confirmed SARS-CoV–2 infection by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on oropharyngeal swab material within the last week. The presence of SARS-CoV–2 in semen samples by RT-PCR, semen parameters and reproductive hormone profile were assessed at inclusion and at 3 + 6 months follow-up. SARS-CoV–2 antibody levels were assessed 3–5 weeks after inclusion. Participants/materials, setting, methods SARS-CoV–2-positive males (age 18–60 years) were included. Oropharyngeal and semen samples were tested by RT-PCR applying the E-Sarbeco primers and probe published by Corman et al. 2020 and adapted to TaqMan Fast Virus 1-step master mix and LightCycler 480 as previously reported by Jørgensen et al. 2020. SARS-CoV–2 antibodies were detected using the serological immunoassay from Shenzhen YHLO Biotech on the iFlash 1800. Semen quality parameters were analysed according to World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. Main results and the role of chance To date, 25 men with a mean age of 35 years have been included in the study. SARS-CoV–2 RNA could not be detected in the semen samples of any of the 25 men at the time of inclusion. Twenty-one of the 25 men (84,0%) had a same day RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV–2 infection in an oropharyngeal swab. RT-PCR cycle threshold (ct) values were distributed as follows: four (19,0%) were strongly positive (ct < 25), 16 (76,2%) intermediately positive (ct 25–35) and one (4,8%) weakly positive (ct 35–45). The four men without PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV–2 infection all had a positive IgG response to SARS-CoV–2 at the time of inclusion. Longitudinal semen and reproductive hormone profiles analyses will be performed. Further studies are needed to prove whether SARS-CoV–2 can be transmitted to the male reproductive tract and whether SARS-CoV–2 infection may cause alterations of spermatogenesis and endocrine function. Limitations, reasons for caution Strengths of this study are the unselected population of men examined within a week after confirmed SARS-CoV–2 infection and the follow-up of semen parameters and endocrine profile. Limitations are the limited sample size and the fact that semen quality was not known before the participants were diagnosed with COVID–19. Wider implications of the findings: Knowledge of viral detection and semen persistence of SARS-CoV–2 is essential for clinical practice and public health. There is a need for evidence-based counselling on the impact of SARS-CoV–2 infection for patients undergoing assisted reproduction technology and patients who have a need for semen cryopreservation. Trial registration number H–20027362

scholarly journals Persistent Male Genital Tract Inflammation and Semen Impairment: A Long-Term Effect of SARS-Cov-2 Infection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Gacci ◽  
Elisabetta Baldi ◽  
Arcangelo Sebastianelli ◽  
Simone Morselli ◽  
Claudia Zaccaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genital Tract ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Long Term Effect ◽  
Cytokine Levels ◽  
Male Genital

Abstract Background: Recent reports evidenced an impairment of semen parameters in men affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In particular, our group previously reported that 1 over 4 COVID-19 healed men were found to be crypto- / azoo-spermic. Moreover, most patients had elevated IL-8 semen levels at sperm analysis. The aim of our study was to assess semen parameters and inflammation by evaluating a panel of sperm cytokine levels (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, INF gamma, TNF-alpha) on average 1 month after the second SARS-CoV-2 negative nasopharyngeal swab and 3 months later. Methods: Ten men who showed normozoospermia (n=3), oligozoospermia (n=3) or crypto/azoospermia (n=4) 1 month after healing from COVID-19 in our previous study, were re-called and re-evaluated 3 months after the first semen analysis. Semen parameters were evaluated according to WHO manual and seminal plasma cytokine levels by an ELISA method. Results: At 3-months follow-up, 8 men showed an overall increase of semen parameters compared to levels assessed after 1 month. In particular, of the 4 crypto-/azoo-spermic men 1 month after healing, 2 resulted oligozoospermic, 1 normozoospermic and only 1 remained azoospermic. Two of the 3 oligozoospermic men turned normozoozpermic. Semen cytokine levels were remarkably high one month after healing and remained elevated after 3 months, with the exception of IL-6. Conclusions: This is the first longitudinal, prospective study comparing semen parameters and semen inflammatory markers one and three months after recovering from COVID-19. Our data indicate an overall tendency to an improvement of semen parameters although a genital tract inflammatory condition appears to persist at least 3 months after COVID-19 recovery. This condition could have an impact on male fertility requiring a careful follow up of these patients.

scholarly journals Impact of percutaneous embolization versus subinguinal microsurgical ligation on semen parameters in primary varicocele patients: comparative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haytham M. Nasser ◽  
Ahmed Hussein ◽  
Gad M. Behairy ◽  
Mostafa Abdo
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Count ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Male Factor ◽  
Percutaneous Embolization ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background Varicocele is an abnormally dilated pampiniform plexus of the veins within the spermatic cord and is considered the most common correctable cause of male factor infertility. Many approaches are described for treatment either surgical (tradition inguinal, subinguinal, and laparoscopic) or non-surgical percutaneous embolization. During the period from August 2017 to December 2018, we prospectively analyzed the preoperative and post-operative alteration of semen parameters (at 3 and 9 months) of the data collected from 63 patients with clinically evident varicocele referred to our tertiary hospital. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1, thirty-three patients who underwent subinguinal microsurgical ligation, and group 2, thirty patients who underwent percutaneous embolization. Results Sixty-three patients enrolled in this study were divided in two groups: group 1, patients who underwent surgery, and group 2, patients who underwent embolization; the mean age is 24.6 ± 1.27 years in group 1 and 23.7 ± 2 years in group 2; there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups as regards BMI, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking. Bilaterality was present in 15.2% of group 1 patients and 10% in group 2 patients (P value 0.06). Most of the patients were classified as grades 2 and 3 with no statistical significance regarding severity of the disease. Preoperative semen parameters for patients including sperm count, motility, and abnormal forms showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Post-intervention semen analysis was done twice during follow-up after 3 months and 9 months from the date of intervention. After 3 months, the semen parameters were improved in both groups in spite of the higher sperm count in group 2 but with no statistical significance. After 9 months follow-up, semen analysis showed persistent increase in sperm mobility in group 1 patients in comparison to group 2 patients. Both groups had better improvement in count of normal form with no statistical significant change. Conclusion Improvement of semen parameters while treating primary varicocele by either subinguinal microsurgery approach or percutaneous embolization shows equivalent outcomes.

scholarly journals The impact of cigarette smoking on human semen parameters and hormones

2002 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 1554-1559 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harald Trummer ◽  
Helga Habermann ◽  
Josef Haas ◽  
Karl Pummer
Keyword(s):  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Human Semen ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals CASA: tracking the past and plotting the future

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 867 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. T. Gallagher ◽  
D. J. Smith ◽  
J. C. Kirkman-Brown
Keyword(s):  
Gold Standard ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Computational Approach ◽  
Human Semen ◽  
Laboratory Staff ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
The Past ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
The Future

The human semen sample carries a wealth of information of varying degrees of accessibility ranging from the traditional visual measures of count and motility to those that need a more computational approach, such as tracking the flagellar waveform. Although computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) options are becoming more widespread, the gold standard for clinical semen analysis requires trained laboratory staff. In this review we characterise the key attitudes towards the use of CASA and set out areas in which CASA should, and should not, be used and improved. We provide an overview of the current CASA landscape, discussing clinical uses as well as potential areas for the clinical translation of existing research technologies. Finally, we discuss where we see potential for the future of CASA, and how the integration of mathematical modelling and new technologies, such as automated flagellar tracking, may open new doors in clinical semen analysis.

scholarly journals Imatinib Suspension and Validation (ISAV) Study: Final Results at 79 Months

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 461-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Mori ◽  
Philipp le Coutre ◽  
Elisabetta Abruzzese ◽  
Bruno Martino ◽  
Ester Pungolino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relapse Rate ◽  
Median Duration ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Imatinib Treatment ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Molecular Remission ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Risk Of Relapse

Abstract Introduction. It is known that imatinib can be safely discontinued in patients (pts) with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) with minimal residual disease. Here we report an update of the Imatinib Suspension And Validation (ISAV) study at 79 months (mts) from study initiation to provide long term follow up data. Aims. The ISAV study aims to validate the capability of digital PCR (dPCR) to predict relapses after imatinib discontinuation in CML pts with negative Q-RT-PCR and to evaluate relapse rate, time to recurrence, survival and the impact of imatinib treatment on Quality of Life (QoL). Methods. This study involves 15 sites, 10 in Italy and 1 in each of the following countries: Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, Canada and Israel. CML pts (chronic or accelerated phase) treated with imatinib for more than 2 years and in complete molecular remission (CMR) were eligible. Patients had to be in CMR for at least 18 mts, with a minimum of 3 Q-RT-PCR performed at their own sites. After discontinuation of imatinib therapy, Q-RT-PCR was performed monthly (mts 1-6), bimonthly for 36 mts and then every 6 mts for additional 2 years, to assess the maintenance of the molecular remission. The loss of molecular remission was defined as two consecutive positive Q-RT-PCR tests with at least one BCR-ABL/ABL value above 0.1%. Patients losing molecular remission resumed imatinib treatment at the same dosage used before interruption. dPCR was performed at screening and at 36 mts for those pts who were still in remission. Patients' QoL during imatinib discontinuation/resumption was evaluated through the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Results. The ISAV study enrolled 112 pts with a median follow-up time of 60.0 mts [95% CI: 59.6-60.6] for pts who do not relapsed; 66.1% of them completed the study as per protocol. The 58.9% of pts were male and 37.4% were aged 65 or older; median duration of imatinib treatment was 103.2 mts with median duration of CMR of 25.6 mts before imatinib discontinuation. At 79 mts from imatinib discontinuation, 56 pts of the 107 eligible ones relapsed and resumed imatinib with a relapse rate of 52.3% [95%CI: 20.4-32.6]; 69.6% of them relapsed in the first 9 mts. Of the 52 not-relapsed pts, 40 (76.9%) regained Q-RT-PCR positivity without losing MMR. In this latter group 2 pts experienced late relapses, at 30.6 and 45.5 mts respectively. A loss of CCyR occurred in 13 pts (23.6%): 10/13 CCyR losses were recovered, the remaining 3 were not assessed for response. No case of CML progression or resistance to imatinib was observed. After the resumption of imatinib the median time to MMR/CMR was 1.8 [95% CI: 1.0-2.0] mts. No significant correlation between relapse and previous duration of imatinib treatment, use of interferon, time to CCyR, Sokal score or duration of CMR was identified, while an inverse relationship between pts age and risk of relapse was evident. dPCR results before imatinib discontinuation showed that 23.4% of pts were positive and 76.6% negative at the time of discontinuation, with a Negative Predictive Value ratio (dPCR/Q-RT-PCR) of 1.1 [95%CI: 0.99-1.22]. At 36 mts from imatinib discontinuation 80.4% [95%CI: 30.6-50.4] of the pts tested were positive in dPCR. Moreover, the results of dPCR performed at imatinib discontinuation and age together can predict the risk of relapse: pts with less than 45 years and with a positive dPCR had the highest risk of relapse (100%) as opposed to pts ≥45 years and with negative dPCR (36.1%). The analysis of QoL evidenced a statistically significant improvement in the general well-being and symptoms scales at 1 month after imatinib discontinuation, particularly with regard to nausea, diarrhea, fatigue and insomnia (p<0.05). An inverse and transient trend toward increased pain emerged at mts 1 and 3. Conclusions. At 79 mts from the beginning of the study, 52.3% of pts relapsed, with 24% loosing CCyR. The majority of relapses occurred in the first 9 mts after discontinuation however late relapses were also observed, up to the 4th year. Therefore, pts who discontinue imatinib should be monitored for a long period of time, especially if they show positive PCR values after discontinuation. All relapsed pts including those who lost CCyR regained their original response after restarting TKI. Age <45 years and dPCR positivity are significantly associated with relapses. QoL analysis showed a significant decrease in symptoms after imatinib discontinuation. Funded by Regione Lombardia. Disclosures le Coutre: Pfizer: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Abruzzese:BMS: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Ariad: Consultancy. Assouline:Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Research Funding. Kim:Pfizer: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Ilyang: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Gambacorti-Passerini:Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy.

scholarly journals Relevant Biological Effects of Varicocele Embolization with N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Glue on Semen Parameters in Infertile Men

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1423
Author(s):  
Olivier Chevallier ◽  
Patricia Fauque ◽  
Carole Poncelet ◽  
Kévin Guillen ◽  
Pierre-Olivier Comby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Embolic Agent ◽  
Cyanoacrylate Glue ◽  
Semen Parameter ◽  
Infertile Men ◽  
Embolic Agents ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

Surgical treatment or varicocele embolization (VE) with sclerosing or mechanical embolic agents have been shown to improve the semen parameters of infertile men. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of VE using N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) glue on semen parameters in infertile men. From January 2014 to June 2018, infertile adult patients with stage 3 varicocele and an initial semen analysis showing at least one abnormal semen parameter, and who were successfully embolized with NBCA Glubran®2 glue, were retrospectively recruited. The availability of a second semen analysis after VE was mandatory for patient inclusion. The primary endpoint was the change in total sperm number (TSN) after VE. The other parameters of interest were progressive and total sperm motilities (Smot) at 1 h (H1), sperm vitality (SV) and morphology (SMor). One hundred and two patients were included. Eight patients presented null TSN before and after VE. Among the remaining 94 patients, a significant improvement in the median TSN after VE was shown (31.79 × 106/ejaculate [IQR:11.10–127.40 × 106/ejaculate] versus 62.24 × 106/ejaculate [IQR:17.90–201.60 × 106/ejaculate], p= 0.0295). Significant improvement in TSN was found for the 60 oligo- or azoospermic patients (p = 0.0007), whereas no significant change was found for the 42 patients with normal initial TSN (p = 0.49). Other parameters, such as progressive and total SMot, SV and SMor, also significantly improved after VE (p = 0.0003, 0.0013, 0.0356 and 0.007, respectively). The use of NBCA glue as an embolic agent for VE in infertile men with stage 3 varicocele significantly improves the semen parameters.

O-040 The evolution of WHO Manual. Where are we now?

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Esteves
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Male Infertility ◽  
Reference Values ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Reference Ranges ◽  
Human Semen ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Lower Limits

Abstract text Male factor infertility is associated with impaired overall health, decreased life expectancy, lower quality of life and may affect reproductive outcomes even under assisted reproductive technology (ART) settings. Male factors, alone or combined with female factors, contribute to at least 50% of reported infertility cases. Despite this, the male partner is often overlooked in the evaluation and treatment of infertility. A routine semen analysis is frequently the only test carried out to assess a man’s fertility potential. The state-of-art on how the human semen should be assessed is provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), which periodically releases manuals that include specific protocols and reference standards. These manuals include detailed laboratory methods for semen examination, protocols for sperm preparation and cryopreservation, quality assurance and quality control, results’ interpretation, and reference ranges. Unlike the previous four versions, the latest 2010 WHO reference values relied on clinical chemistry principles to generate 95% intervals for sperm volume, count, motility, vitality, and morphology from recent fathers. The fifth centile was deemed suitable for representing semen characteristics at lower limits. The reference values ultimately obtained were markedly lower than those previously reported, raising concerns about its clinical utility and generalizability. Criticisms included the limited geographical area of patients analyzed, the methods used for semen evaluation, and the potential impact of the new reference range on patient referral, diagnosis, and treatment guidance. An updated new WHO manual (6th edition) is about to be released with much expectation. Although semen analysis remains one of the cornerstones of the infertility evaluation, a male infertility workup primarily based on routine semen analysis does not provide men with an optimal fertility pathway for many reasons. First, reference intervals do not reliably distinguish fertile from subfertile subjects. Second, an individual patient’s results have limited prognostic value for both natural and assisted conception unless at extreme lower limits. Third, there is a wide variation in how laboratories perform a semen analysis. Lastly, routine semen analysis does not detect sperm DNA defects that might adversely impact embryo development, implantation, and offspring’s health. Guidelines issued by professional societies recommend that a full andrological assessment be performed in all men with couple infertility. Well-trained reproductive urologists or clinical andrologists should perform the male evaluation, including a detailed history, physical examination, semen analysis, endocrine assessment, and other tests as needed. Therefore, the importance of WHO manuals remains critical. However, the goals of a comprehensive male infertility workup go beyond the laboratory assessment of human semen. It comprises i. Diagnosis, i.e., detection of any underlying relevant medical or lifestyle conditions potentially impairing the (reproductive) health of the male or his offspring; ii. Counselling, particularly regarding the impact of infertility, genetic factors, age, and lifestyle on pregnancy prospects, reproductive and overall health, and offspring’s well-being; and iii. Management Guidance, i.e., identifying optimal treatment options to improve the likelihood of achieving natural pregnancy or ART success. The prevention and management of male infertility are integral components of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services needed to attain a sustainable development goal.

scholarly journals The Effect of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Therapy on Semen Parameters and Pregnancy Rate after Varicocelectomy

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-96
Author(s):  
Javanmard Babak ◽  
Fadavi Behruz ◽  
Yousefi Mohammadreza ◽  
Fallah-Karkan Morteza
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Infertile Men ◽  
Hcg Therapy ◽  
Infertile Patients ◽  
Gonadotropin Therapy

Introduction: To study the stimulating effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on spermatogenesis in patients with varicocele and infertility undergoing varicocelectomy. Materials and Methods: In the study, 188 infertile patients with varicocele were included. Open inguinal varicocelectomy was performed. They were randomized into 2 groups and hCG (91 patients) was administered intramuscularly by dosage of 5,000 international units every week for 3 months. A semen analysis was obtained at 6 months, post-operatively and cases were followed for 2 years for pregnancy report. Results: Semen analysis of the patients shows a significant improvement in all parameters 6 months after varicocelectomy without any superiority between the 2 groups. During the follow-up, 56 couples (61.5%) in hCG treated and 22 couples (22.7%) in the group treated only by varicocelectomy achieved pregnancy. Patients treated with varicocelectomy plus hCG therapy had a significant superior pregnancy rate compared to the other group (P=0.0001). Conclusion: Administration of hCG in this group of infertile patients might be helpful in order to enhance pregnancy rate. However some more conclusive studies are needed to be able to recommend such therapy for infertile men due to varicocele.

scholarly journals The Impact of Intense Exercise on Semen Quality

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 654-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paweł Jóźków ◽  
Marco Rossato
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Male Factor ◽  
Recreational Athletes ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Male Reproductive Health ◽  
The Impact

With expanding knowledge on the health benefits of exercise, there is an increasing demand for information on the andrological consequences of participating in sports. These consequences are especially important in the context of infertility problems worldwide. The so-called “male factor” is reported in up to 50% of couples having trouble with conception. The answer to the question, “Is physical activity good for male reproductive health?” is not straightforward. A number of studies have suggested that significant changes in semen parameters may occur due to sports training of certain types, intensities, and durations. The changes to these parameters vary in scope, direction, and magnitude. Findings in recreational athletes have also differed from those in professional athletes. This review of the current literature suggests that intense physical activity may affect the semen concentration, as well as the number of motile and morphologically normal spermatozoa. Training at higher intensities and with increased loads seems to be associated with more profound changes in semen quality. In recreational athletes, exercise has either a positive or neutral effect on semen parameters. Due to many limitations (e.g., global sperm count trends, concerns about the quality control of sperm evaluations, and new standards for semen analysis), comparisons among historical data and their interpretation are difficult.

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