Analysis of seasonal variability of sperm donors’ semen parameters

Introduction. The concept of seasonal variability of sperm parameters is controversial. However, it should be considered during medical evaluation and solicitation of sperm donors. Aim. To evaluate seasonal variability of sperm parameters from anonymous sperm donors in a reproductive medicine center. Materials and methods. A retrospective study of 1252 semen samples from 39 sperm donors (mean age 27.1 ± 3.9 years) in a reproductive medicine center in Saint Petersburg during the period from October 1, 2015 to October 1, 2017 was performed according to WHO 2010 recommendations. Semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, progressive motility, and number of progressively motile sperm were analyzed. Results. Individual variability in semen parameters was high. The mean ejaculate volume in the summer months was higher than in the autumn, winter, and spring (t = 3.65, p < 0.001; t = 4.18, p < 0.0001; t = 1.92, p = 0.056 respectively). The lowest volume (2.83 ± 1.32 ml) was registered in January. The mean sperm concentration in summer was lower than in autumn, winter, and spring (t = 3.65, p < 0.001; t = 4.18, p < 0.0001; t = 1.92, p = 0.056 respectively). It was higher in winter than in spring and autumn (t = 2.54, p = 0.012; t = 1.72, p = 0.082 respectively). The highest mean sperm concentration was registered in January and the lowest in July (157.2 ± 46.6 and 131.9 ± 44.0 million sperm per ml, respectively). No significant seasonal differences were found in total sperm number, progressive motility, or number of progressively motile sperm (p > 0.1). Conclusions. The study suggests there is both individual and seasonal variability in sperm donors’ semen parameters. As several semen samples are needed to rate semen quality, we recommend that semen analysis for a potential sperm donor be performed in the summer months.

Download Full-text

Analysis of diurnal variability of sperm donors’ semen parameters

Urologicheskie vedomosti ◽

10.17816/uroved9111-16 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 11-16

Author(s):

Igor A. Korneyev ◽

Ruslan D. Zasseev ◽

Ol’ga B. Pashina ◽

Ali E. Mamedov ◽

Pavel S. Kondrashkin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Medicine ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Sperm Parameters ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Motile Sperm ◽

Diurnal Variability ◽

Sperm Donors ◽

Medical Evaluation ◽

Semen Volume

Introduction. Diurnal variability of sperm parameters is controversial and should be considered during medical evaluation and solicitation of sperm donors. Aim: to evaluate diurnal variability of sperm parameters of anonymous sperm donors in reproductive medicine center. Materials and methods. Records of 1253 semen samples analysis of 39 sperm donors (mean age 27.1 ± 3.9 years) were retrospectively studied in reproductive medicine center in Saint Petersburg. Semen analysis was performed according to WHO 2010 recommendations. Diurnal variations of semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, progressive motility and number of progressively motile sperm were analyzed. Results. Mean ejaculate volume, sperm total number and number of progressively motile sperm were higher after 3 p.m. (t = 5.63, p < 0.0001; t = 3.66, p = 0.0003 and t = 1.76, p = 0.078, respectively), while sperm concentration and percent of progressively motile sperm was lower (t = 2.03, p = 0.043 and t = 4.63, p = 0.0003, respectively).The lowest and the highest mean sperm numbers were registered in time slots between 12 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4 p.m.–5 p.m., respectively. Conclusions. The study suggests the diurnal variability of sperm donors’ semen parameters. We might recommend a potential sperm donor preservation to be performed after 3 p.m., preferentially within 4 p.m.–5 p.m. interval.

Download Full-text

The effects of Pb on sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation of men investigated for infertility

Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1515/jbcpp-2019-0239 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

Author(s):

G.U.S. Wijesekara ◽

D.M.S. Fernando ◽

S. Wijeratne

Keyword(s):

Dna Fragmentation ◽

Seminal Plasma ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Sperm Parameters ◽

World Health ◽

Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Sperm Dna ◽

The Mean ◽

Pb Concentration

AbstractBackgroundLead (Pb) is one of the metals most prevalent in the environment and is known to cause infertility and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation. This study aimed to determine the association between seminal plasma Pb and sperm DNA fragmentation in men investigated for infertility.MethodsMale partners (n = 300) of couples investigated for infertility were recruited after informed consent was obtained. Sperm parameters were assessed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Seminal plasma Pb was estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry after digestion with nitric acid.ResultsIn Pb-positive and -negative groups the sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation were compared using independent sample t-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test, respectively. The mean [standard deviation (SD)] age and duration of infertility were 34.8 (5.34) years and 45.7 (35.09) months, respectively, and the mean Pb concentration was 15.7 μg/dL. In Pb positives compared to Pb negatives the means (SD) of sperm count, progressive motility viability and normal morphology were lower (p > 0.05) but the DNA fragmentation was significantly higher 39.80% (25.08) than Pb negatives 22.65% (11.30). Seminal plasma Pb concentration and sperm DNA fragmentation had a positive correlation (r = 0.38, p = 0.03). A negative correlation was observed between sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility and viability. When the DNA fragmentation was ≥30% sperm concentration and viability decreased (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPb in seminal plasma had a significant effect on sperm DNA fragmentation but not with other sperm parameters.

Download Full-text

Effects of Sperm Parameters on Pregnancy Rate in Patients Undergoing Intrauterine Insemination

Gynecology Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine ◽

10.21613/gorm.2020.1040 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Mehmet Solakhan ◽

Mustafa Demir

Keyword(s):

Intrauterine Insemination ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Sperm Parameters ◽

Motile Sperm ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Age Related ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Sperm Volume ◽

Infertile Couples

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the effects of sperm parameters on the success of intrauterine insemination were investigated. STUDY DESIGN: The data from 309 infertile couples who were admitted between 2012-2018 without a female factor were analyzed retrospectively and included in the study. After the administration of gonadotropin and hCG (5000-10000 IU), single insemination was performed in 36-40 hours in all cycles. All couples underwent routine infertility screening. The relationship between sperm parameters (motility, morphology, sperm count), patient age, duration of infertility with intrauterine insemination success was evaluated.RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean age and age related-parity. There was no statistically significant difference between male ages, liquefaction, and sperm volumes between the two groups (p=0.898, p=0.448, p=0.651). Before washing; There was a statistically significant difference between the sperm concentration, percentage of total motile sperm, percentage of progressive motility sperm, percentage of normal sperm morphology, and total sperm count between the two groups (p=0.0001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001). After sperm washing; the results were similar to those obtained before washing. While statistically significant difference was observed between sperm volume and sperm concentrations (p=0.023, p=0.018), no significant difference was observed between the two groups in total sperm count (p=0.612).CONCLUSION: As a result, during the application of intrauterine insemination to infertile couples, total motile sperm count, progressive motility sperm count ratio and high sperm ratio with normal morphology used in order to increase pregnancy success can be considered as criteria that increase the chances of success.

Download Full-text

Paternal Smoking in Relation to Sperm Quality and intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Outcomes

International Journal of Women s Health and Reproduction Sciences ◽

10.15296/ijwhr.2019.75 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 451-460

Author(s):

Houda Amor ◽

Shelko Nyaz ◽

Mohamad Eid Hammadeh

Keyword(s):

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Good Prognosis ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Sperm Dna ◽

The Mean

Objectives: The present study focused on tobacco smoke and its effect on semen parameters, sperm DNA quality (compaction and fragmentation) and clinical outcomes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) therapy Materials and Methods: The semen samples were divided according to smoking status into the following 2 groups, 98 heavy-smokers (G1) and 43 non-smokers (G2). Semen was prepared and purified using the PureSperm gradients according to the WHO guidelines 2010. Protamine deficiency (CMA3 positivity) was assessed by chromomycin CMA3 staining and sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) by TUNEL assay. Results: The mean concentration and the total motility were significantly higher in G2 in comparison to G1 (P=0.014, and P=0.026 respectively) and the results were similar for the mean percent of the progressive motility and normal morphology (P=0.0001). CMA3+ and sDF in G2 were significantly lower in comparison to G1 (20.35 ± 13.34% vs. 33.30 ± 22.33%, P=0.001; 14.23 ± 13.07% vs. 26.68 ± 19.77%, P=0.0001). Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in the ICSI outcomes, except for the pregnancy rate, which was significantly higher in G2 than in G1 (0.60 ± 0.49% vs. 0.38 ± 0.48%; P=0.013). In G1, CMA3+ correlated negatively with sperm concentration (r=-0.233, P=0.021) but positively with sDF (r=0.484, P=0.0001). In G2, sDF correlated negatively with progressive motility and morphologically normal spermatozoa (r=-0.304, p=0.047; r=-0.361, P=0.017 respectively). Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that tobacco smoking altered sperm parameters and later affected the pregnancy results in ICSI therapy. CMA3 and TUNEL tests are therefore useful as a supplementary test before any ART treatment to ensure a good prognosis.

Download Full-text

Association between BMI and semen quality: an observational study of 3966 sperm donors

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/dey328 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

pp. 155-162 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Jixuan Ma ◽

Li Wu ◽

Yun Zhou ◽

Hai Zhang ◽

Chengliang Xiong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Observational Study ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Motile Sperm ◽

Sperm Number ◽

Sperm Donors ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Total Motile Sperm Count

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.

Download Full-text

The potential role of central obesity in male infertility: body mass index versus waist to hip ratio as they relate to selected semen parameters

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-8413-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Márton Keszthelyi ◽

V. Anna Gyarmathy ◽

András Kaposi ◽

Zsolt Kopa

Keyword(s):

Central Obesity ◽

Potential Role ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Normal Morphology ◽

Semen Parameter ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

The Mean

Abstract Background Little is known about the potential role of central obesity among men. Our first aim was to confirm what is already known from prior research, namely that both BMI and WHR are inversely associated with selected semen parameters. Our second aim was to examine the potential role of central obesity by assessing if there was a difference between BMI and WHR regarding their relationships to these selected semen parameters. Methods In this cross-sectional study between January 2011 to January 2018, we analyzed semen samples from 1169 patients who visited an andrology clinic in Budapest for infertility reasons. Variables assessed were: body measurements (height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference), and the results of semen analysis (sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive sperm motility, and normal sperm morphology). Results The mean height and weight were 180.6 cm and 87.3 kg, respectively – the mean BMI was 26.8. The mean waist and hip circumferences were 100.9 cm and 94.8 cm, respectively – the mean waist to hip ratio was 0.94. The mean sperm concentration, total sperm count, and percents of progressive motility and normal morphology were 48.7 M/ml, 165 million, 21.2, and 4.8%, respectively. Both BMI and WHR were significant correlates in all semen parameter regression models. When comparing the parameter estimates for BMI with those for WHR for each semen parameter, the parameter estimate for WHR was significantly lower (indicating a stronger negative association) than that for BMI for progressive motility and total sperm count, but not for normal morphology or concentration. Conclusions Our study is the first to examine, using a large patient sample, the potential role of central obesity by comparing the difference between BMI and WHR as they relate to selected semen parameters. Our findings indicate a potential role of central obesity for progressive motility and total sperm count, but not for normal morphology and concentration. Despite the limitations and the exploratory nature of this study, we can conclude that our results point to a potential role of central obesity in male infertility, but this finding should be confirmed and further explored in future research. Trial registration The trial was retrospectively authorized after the data collection on September 24, 2018. Registration number: SE RKEB: 169/2018.

Download Full-text

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.

Download Full-text

Curcumin Along With Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Improved Sperm Parameters In Rats With Testicular Ischemia

Galen Medical Journal ◽

10.31661/gmj.v10i0.2034 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. e2034

Author(s):

Shabnam Zarei Moradi ◽

Seyed Abdolhamid Angaji ◽

Mitra Salehi ◽

Mehrdad Hashemi

Keyword(s):

Fe3o4 Nanoparticles ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Concomitant Administration ◽

Testicular Tissue ◽

Sperm Parameters ◽

Male Rats ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Control Group ◽

Fe3o4 Nps ◽

Testicular Ischemia

Background: Ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) in testicular tissue is one reason for the worldwide increase in male infertility. In the present study, we assessed the effects of curcumin and Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) on sperm parameters in rats with I/R damage. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight adult male rats were divided into two groups (n=24 per group): control and torsion/detorsion. The control and torsion/detorsion groups were divided into four subgroups include sham, Fe3O4 NPs, curcumin, and Fe3O4 NPs+curcumin. After the rats were sacrificed, semen was collected from their epididymal tissues to assess sperm viability, motility, concentration, and morphology. Results: Curcumin significantly improved viability, motility, and normal sperm morphology in rats with I/R damage compared to the control group; however, it did not have a significant effect on sperm concentration (P<0.001). Fe3O4 NPs alone decreased all sperm parameters in the control and I/R rats (P<0.001). However, concomitant administration of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with curcumin significantly improved sperm parameters in rats with I/R damage (P<0.001). Conclusion: The increase in all semen parameters in the experimental groups with concomitant use of Fe3O4 NPs plus curcumin indicated that green synthesis of NPs could be recommended for future clinical studies.

Download Full-text

The effects of varicocelectomy on the DNA fragmentation index and other sperm parameters: a meta-analysis

Basic and Clinical Andrology ◽

10.1186/s12610-020-00112-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ponco Birowo ◽

J. Rahendra Wijaya ◽

Widi Atmoko ◽

Nur Rasyid

Keyword(s):

Dna Fragmentation ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Sperm Parameters ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Fragmentation Index ◽

Common Causes ◽

Dna Fragmentation Index

Abstract Background Varicocele is one of the most common causes of reversible male infertility, and 15% of the varicocele patients with normal semen analysis are diagnosed as infertile. According to the current guidelines, varicocelectomy is indicated based on abnormal sperm parameters and not abnormal DNA fragmentation index (DFI) values. Thus, in this study, we performed a meta-analysis of the effects of varicocelectomy on the DFI and other conventional sperm parameters, and determined whether DFI could be used to indicate varicocelectomy for varicocele patients. Results Through an electronic search of the PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and Cochrane databases, we included 7 prospective studies including a total of 289 patients in this meta-analysis. The results showed that varicocelectomy significantly reduced DNA fragmentation (mean difference: − 6.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: − 10.04, − 3.69; p < 0.00001) and improved sperm concentration (mean difference: 9.59; 95% CI: 7.80, 11.38; p < 0.00001), progressive motility (mean difference: 8.66; 95% CI: 6.96, 10.36; p < 0.00001), and morphology (mean difference: 2.73; 95% CI: 0,65, 4.80; p = 0.01). Conclusion Varicocelectomy reduced DNA fragmentation and improved sperm concentration, progressive motility, and morphology. Additionally, the analysis showed that an abnormal DFI measurement should be considered as an indication for varicocelectomy.

Download Full-text

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.

Download Full-text