The Association Between Abstinence Period And Semen Parameters: Results In Normal Samples And Different Sperm Pathology

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.

Land use and semen quality: A fertility center cohort study

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.

P–077 Performance of the postwash total motile sperm count as a predictor of pregnancy at the time of intrauterine insemination

Study question Is the performance of the postwash total motile sperm count a predictor of pregnancy at the time of intrauterine insemination? Summary answer The number of motile spermatozoa inseminated (NMSI) in IUI can be used to define clear range of pre /postwash sperm parameters. What is known already There is no consensus about the optimal number of motile spermatozoa inseminated (NMSI) required for a reasonable chance of pregnancy after IUI. A meta-analysis of 16 studies assessing NMSI and IUI outcomes, concluded that at cut-off levels between 0.8 and 5 million, defined as the ability to predict failure to become pregnant. The purpose of this study is to determine the range of NMSI as a predictor of success in IUI. Study design, size, duration This prospective study includes 60 patients who underwent semen analysis at an academic infertility centre (SRIHER) during the month of December 2020 and January 2021. Participants/materials, setting, methods A total of 60 infertile couples who underwent IUI at our academic centre were enrolled in our study. A detailed history and infertility work up was done before proceeding for IUI, as per the department protocol. The semen was prepared by discontinuous 2 layered density gradient method. The results were analyzed by patient factors including age, BMI, semen parameters, NMSI. The NMSI were divided into 4 groups: A (&lt;1), B (1–4), C (5–9), D (&gt;10). Main results and the role of chance The mean age of the infertile couples who underwent IUI was (28.2 ± 3.8) in females and (31.8 ± 3.8) in males respectively. The sperm parameters such as concentration (21.8 ± 14.8), motility (53.15 ± 13.22), morphology (2.43 ± 1.33) respectively. When the NMSI was group C (5–9 x 10 6) the pregnancy rate was 38.5% whereas the pregnancy rate was 37.5% in group D ( &gt;10 x 10 6). In the other sub groups such as group A(&lt;1 x 10 6) and group C (1–4 x 10 6) the pregnancy rate was 14.2% and 12.5% respectively. Limitations, reasons for caution Infertile men with Azoospermia, Men with Retrograde ejaculation, Testicular samples, Epididymal samples, Infected samples. All of the above samples were avoided. It cannot be used for counselling during the initial infertility workup, but only during/after the IUI procedure. Wider implications of the findings: The results suggest that NMSI can be a predictor of success in IUI in patients who are &lt; 30 years of age & ≥35 years, NMSI does not appear to be a useful. The effect of NMSI on pregnancy rate needs to evaluated on a larger scale . Trial registration number Not applicable

Laparoscopic varicocelectomy in male infertility

Summary Background The suitability of laparoscopic varicocelectomy for assisted reproductive technology depends on the improvement of semen parameters. The present study analyzed the improvement of semen parameters following laparoscopic varicocele ligation. Material and methods A retrospective study of the laparoscopic varicocele clippings at the Department of Urology of University Hospital of Kiel between the years 2007 and 2019 was conducted. The semen analyses according to WHO standards (sperm count, density, motility and morphology) were conducted before and 12 months after surgery. Screening for surgical complications took place at the time of the follow-up seminal analysis. Included were patients with oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and/or teratozoospermia (group 1, OAT) or with nonobstructive azoospermia (group 2, NOA). Results This study included data of 27 patients and 22 patients presented preoperative OAT (81%, group 1). Another 5 patients showed NOA (19%, group 2). Data of group 1 showed that semen parameters normalized in 32% of the patients after surgery. Significant improvement in total sperm count (p < 0.005), sperm density (p < 0.005) and total motile sperm count (p < 0.005) was observed. No deterioration of semen parameters was observed. In group 2 we detected spermatozoa in 1 case in the postoperative ejaculate. None of the patients showed complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, postoperative hydrocele formation or recurrence of varicocele at the time of control spermiogram. Conclusion Laparoscopic varicocelectomy is a valid therapeutic approach to improve semen parameters for further assisted reproductive techniques. Spermatogenesis may be induced for patients with NOA. Normalization of semen parameters can be achieved for patients with OAT.

The Association Between Abstinence Period and Semen Parameters: Results in Normal Samples and Different Sperm Pathology

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.