scholarly journals Land use and semen quality: A fertility center cohort study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0255985
Author(s):  
Seung-Ah Choe ◽  
Seulgi Kim ◽  
Changmin Im ◽  
Sun-Young Kim ◽  
Gregory Wellenius ◽  
...  

This study explored the association between built environment and semen parameters among men who sought fertility evaluation. We used a data of 5,886 men living in the Seoul capital area whose semen was tested at a single fertility center during 2016–2018. Distance to fresh water, the coast, major roadways, and neighborhood greenness measured by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were evaluated. Outcome indicators were semen volume, sperm concentration, percentage of progressive motility, vitality, normal morphology, and total motile sperm count. Linear regression models were fitted to standardized values of six semen indicators. Majority of men were white-collar, clerical, and service workers. Linear associations between built environment features and semen quality indicators were not evident except for NDVI within 500 m and sperm vitality (β = 0.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01, 0.09). The 2nd quartile of distance to fresh water was associated with lower progressive motility compared to the 1st quartile (β = −0.10; 95% CI: −0.17, −0.03). Proportion of vitality was higher among men in the 2nd quartile of distance to roadways than those in the 1st quartile (0.08; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.15). Men in the 2nd quartile of NDVI had higher total motile sperm count (0.09; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.17). In the multi-exposure model, the positive association between NDVI and vitality remained (0.03; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.06). We observed potential evidence regarding the impact of built environment on male fertility, specifically a positive association between residential greenness and sperm vitality among men with a history of infertility.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seung-Ah Choe ◽  
Seulgi Kim ◽  
Changmin Im ◽  
Sun-Young Kim ◽  
Gregory Wellenius ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: There is growing interest in the potential impact of the physical environment on human fertility. This study aimed to explore the association between built environment and semen parameters among men who sought fertility evaluation . Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 5,886 men living in the Seoul Capital Area whose semen was tested at a single fertility center during 2016–2018. Environmental exposures evaluated were distance to fresh water (river and lake), the coast, major roadways, and neighborhood greenness measured by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Outcome indicators were semen volume, sperm concentration, percentage of progressive motility, vitality, normal morphology, and total motile sperm count. We used linear regression to model standardized values of six semen quality indicators.Results: Majority of the study population (mean age 39 years) were white-collar workers, clerks, and service workers. None of the mean values of semen quality indicators showed linear trends across quartiles of built environment components. Linear associations between built environment features and semen quality indicators were not evident except for NDVI within 500 m and sperm vitality (β = 0.05 per 0.1-increase; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01, 0.09). The 2nd quartile of distance to fresh water was associated with lower progressive motility compared to the 1st quartile (β = −0.10; 95% CI: −0.17, −0.03). Proportion of vitality was higher among men in the 2nd quartile of distance to roadways than those in the 1st quartile (0.08; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.15). Men in the 2nd quartile of NDVI showed higher total motile sperm count than those in the 1st quartile (0.09; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.17). In multi-exposure model, the positive association between NDVI and vitality remained (0.03, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.06). Conclusions: This study contributes potential evidence regarding the impact of built environment on male fertility ; specifically, a positive association between residential greenness and percentage of sperm vitality among Korean men with a history of infertility .


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 112-118
Author(s):  
El-haina Fatima Zohra ◽  
Bendahmane Malika

The current study aimed at measuring changes in semen quality and quantity in young healthy sperm of the partner in western Algeria over 15 years. A retrospective analysis of semen parameters over 15 years was carried out using linear regression analysis, at the fertility laboratory in West Algeria. Study population consisted of 188 young partners, aged 25 to 35 years, who donated sperm samples for artificial insemination between 2000 and 2015. Their wives with infertility problems were surveyed using questionnaire about their lifestyles and infertility factors. There were no statistically significant changes in semen concentration and motility during the study period. The mean semen volume increased by 0.1 mL per year (P < 0.0001), with a concomitant mean rise of 5.8 × 106 per year in total motile sperm count. The percentage of sperm normal morphology decreased by a mean of 1% per year during the entire period (P < 0.0001). During these 15 past years, there has been an increase in total motile sperm count, and semen volume where-as, a decline in normal sperm morphology has been noticed that is independ-ent of the age and the duration of abstinence of infertile men.


Author(s):  
W. N. Li ◽  
M. M. Jia ◽  
Y. Q. Peng ◽  
R. Ding ◽  
L. Q. Fan ◽  
...  

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.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Xie ◽  
Silvan Hämmerli ◽  
Kerstin Blickenstorfer ◽  
Brigitte Leeners

Abstract Purpose: The length of sexual abstinence seems to influence sperm quality. However, few data on the relevance of abstinence time in pathological sperm samples are available. With our study, we look for associations of abstinence length and semen quality. Methods: We studied semen samples from 4423 men undergoing fertility evaluation. Sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa, total motile sperm count, percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology, were compared after each day and 0-2, 3-7 and >7 days of abstinence. Results: We found that a longer abstinence time was related to higher sperm concentration in normal semen samples (P<0.001) and in semen samples with any sperm pathology (P<0.001, P=0.004) with the exception of oligozoospermia (P=0.125). Longer abstinence time was also associated with significantly reduced progressive motility in normal samples (P<0.001) and in cases of teratozoospermia (P<0.001). In normal samples a higher percentage of sperm were morphologically normal after a shorter abstinence period (P=0.03); in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) samples, this was the case after a longer abstinence period (P=0.013). Conclusion: A longer abstinence time is associated with higher sperm concentration, whereas sperm motility is optimal after shorter abstinence times; results on morphology are controversial. The recommendation on abstinence time needs to be adjusted in relation to the parameter that needs to be improved.


2020 ◽  
Vol 203 ◽  
pp. e405-e406
Author(s):  
Hyung Ho Lee ◽  
Won Sik Jang ◽  
Ji Eun Heo ◽  
Jong Soo Lee ◽  
Ki Hong Kim ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinayak Madhusoodanan ◽  
Premal Patel ◽  
Ruben Blachman-Braun ◽  
Ranjith Ramasamy

Introduction: Varicoceles account for the most common correctable cause of male infertility, with varicocele repair leading to improvements in semen quality. However, there is little evidence to establish the durability of varicocele repair. We analyzed the durability of improvements in postoperative semen parameters following microsurgical subinguinal varicocele repair. Methods: We evaluated all men who underwent microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy from 2015‒2019. Patients were included if they desired fertility and had a followup of at least 12 months. We assessed the baseline characteristics of these patients, as well as semen volume, total motile sperm count (TMSC), concentration, percent motility, and morphology. Semen parameters were analyzed at baseline (preoperative), approximately three months and ≥12 months postoperatively. Results: Of 105 men who underwent varicocelectomy, 18 men had a followup of at least 12 months. These men presented with median age 34.5 (27–38] years for a median followup duration of 14.5 (13–22.5) months. TMSC levels increased from 6.4 (1.1–24.5) million at baseline to 11.1 (2.4–38.4) million at approximately three months and remained similar at 12.5 (1.6–31.5) million at ≥12 months. The study is limited by its retrospective nature and limited sample size. Conclusions: Microscopic subinguinal varicocele repairs can result in durable improvements of semen quality beyond one year, as demonstrated by upgrade in median TMSC. Further studies should be performed to confirm our findings.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas A. Masterson ◽  
Aubrey B. Greer ◽  
Ranjith Ramasamy

Introduction: We aimed to determine the time and predictive factors of semen quality improvement in men with severe oligospermia after microsurgical varicocelectomy. Methods: Men with total motile sperm count (TMSC) <5 million on two semen analyses were identified from May 2015 to August 2017. Postoperative semen analysis was collected at 3–6 months and >6 months. We evaluated preoperative factors for successful semen quality upgrading based on assisted reproductive technology (ART) eligibility: in vitro fertilization [IVF] (<5 million), intrauterine insemination (IUI) (5–9 million), and natural pregnancy (>9 million). We compared men with TMSC <5 million to those with TMSC 5–9 million. Data are reported as means and standard error of the mean (SEM). Pregnancy data was collected by phone interview at >6 months postoperatively. Results: A total of 33 men were included. TMSC improved from 1.5±0.2 to 7.3±1.8 million at 3–6 months (p<0.05) and 12.2±3.6 million at >6 months (p<0.05). There was no statistical difference in TMSC between 3–6 months and >6 months. Sixteen (48.5%) men upgraded semen quality into the range of natural pregnancy. Preoperative TMSC from 2–5 million was predictive of upgrading semen quality. Twenty-four couples were contacted by phone; 20 were attempting pregnancy in the postoperative period and five (25%) of them had achieved natural pregnancy. Conclusions: Men with TMSC <5 million can expect the largest improvement in TMSC from 3–6 months postoperatively with minimal improvement thereafter. Preoperative TMSC >2 million was most predictive of semen quality upgrading.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Xie ◽  
Silvan Haemmerli ◽  
Kerstin Blickenstorfer ◽  
Brigitte Leeners

Abstract Purpose: The length of sexual abstinence seems to influence sperm quality. However, few data on the relevance of abstinence time in pathological sperm samples are available. With our study, we look for associations of abstinence length and semen quality. Methods: We studied semen samples from 4423 men undergoing fertility evaluation. Sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa, total motile sperm count, percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology, were compared after each day and 0-2, 3-7 and >7 days of abstinence.Results: We found that a longer abstinence time was related to higher sperm concentration in normal semen samples (P<0.001) and in semen samples with any sperm pathology (P<0.001, P=0.004) with the exception of oligozoospermia (P=0.125). Longer abstinence time was also associated with significantly reduced progressive motility in normal samples (P<0.001) and in cases of teratozoospermia (P<0.001). In normal samples a higher percentage of sperm were morphologically normal after a shorter abstinence period (P=0.03); in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) samples, this was the case after a longer abstinence period (P=0.013).Conclusion: A longer abstinence time is associated with higher sperm concentration, whereas sperm motility is optimal after shorter abstinence times; results on morphology are controversial. The recommendation on abstinence time needs to be adjusted in relation to the parameter that needs to be improved.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jixuan Ma ◽  
Li Wu ◽  
Yun Zhou ◽  
Hai Zhang ◽  
Chengliang Xiong ◽  
...  

Abstract STUDY QUESTION What is the relationship between abnormal BMI and semen quality? SUMMARY ANSWER Underweight was significantly associated with lower sperm concentration, total sperm number and total motile sperm count, while overweight was significantly associated with lower semen volume, total sperm number and total motile sperm count. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Abnormal BMI has been associated with lower semen quality, but the results remain somewhat controversial. In addition, most previous studies have focused on the influence of obesity or overweight on semen quality, and evidence on the association between underweight and semen quality is rare. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This research was an observational study investigating 3966 sperm donors from a large sperm bank in Wuhan city, China. These donors passed the screening for sperm donation and underwent 29 949 semen examinations between 1 January 2013 and 9 April 2018. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS BMI was categorized into four groups: underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, total motility, progressive motility and total motile sperm count were determined by trained clinical technicians. Linear mixed models were used to conduct dose–response analyses between BMI and semen quality parameters. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Underweight was significantly associated with a 3.0% (95% CI: 0.1%, 5.8%), 6.7% (1.9%, 11.3%) and 7.4% (2.2%, 12.4%) reduction in sperm concentration, total sperm number and total motile sperm count, respectively. Overweight was significantly associated with a 4.2% (1.6%, 6.8%), 3.9% (0.9%, 6.9%) and 3.6% (0.2%, 6.9%) reduction in semen volume, total sperm number and total motile sperm count, respectively. Non-linear models including continuous BMI as a natural cubic spline function yielded similar results. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our study subjects were sperm donors who are typically young and healthy, and therefore not representative of the general male population. Caution should be paid in generalizing our results to other populations. Furthermore, we did not measure the donors’ weight repeatedly along with each semen donation; instead, we only measured it once during the screening, which may cause bias due to the variations of weight across time. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study provides evidence that underweight and overweight are associated with lower semen quality, and highlights the importance of maintaining a normal weight for men. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Health and Family Planning Commission of Hubei Province (Grant number WJ2015MA027), the Hubei Provincial Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, and Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research at the University of Iowa. The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Anna Danielewicz ◽  
Jakub Morze ◽  
Mariusz Przybyłowicz ◽  
Katarzyna Eufemia Przybyłowicz

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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