Skip to main content

Sperm Assessment: Traditional Approaches and Their Indicative Value

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Practical Manual of In Vitro Fertilization

Abstract

The traditional semen analysis is the established cornerstone of assessing male fertility, and the diagnostic management depends on a sequential, multi-step approach. Recognized reference values for normality are essential due to the relationship between sperm quality and fertility. The information provided by a semen analysis is the least invasive and most cost-effective assessment of a male’s fertility status. Despite the introduction of alternative techniques such as computer-assisted sperm analysis and the advancement of assisted conception, the prediction of fertilization in vitro is still crucial.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 189.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Andrade-Rocha FT. Physical analysis of ejaculate to evaluate the secretory activity of the seminal vesicles and prostate. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2005;43(11):1203–10.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Jequier AM. Is quality assurance in semen analysis still really necessary? A clinician’s viewpoint. Hum Reprod. 2005;20(8):2039–42.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Jequier AM. Edward Martin (1859-1938). The founding father of modern clinical andrology. Int J Androl. 1991;14(1):1–10.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. La Vignera S, Calogero AE, Condorelli R, Garrone F, Vicari E. Spermiogram: techniques, interpretation, and prognostic value of results. Minerva Endocrinol. 2007;32(2):115–26.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Alvarez C, Castilla JA, Martinez L, Ramirez JP, Vergara F, Gaforio JJ. Biological variation of seminal parameters in healthy subjects. Hum Reprod. 2003;18(10):2082–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Lewis SE. Is sperm evaluation useful in predicting human fertility? Reproduction. 2007;134(1):31–40.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Chong AP, Walters CA, Weinrieb SA. The neglected laboratory test. The semen analysis. J Androl. 1983;4(4):280–2.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. WHO. WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. 5th ed. Geneva: WHO; 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Cooper TG, Noonan E, von Eckardstein S, et al. World Health Organization reference values for human semen characteristics. Hum Reprod Update. 2010;16(3):231–45.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Sukcharoen N, Keith J, Irvine DS, Aitken RJ. Prediction of the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) potential of human spermatozoa using sperm function tests: the effect of the delay between testing and IVF. Hum Reprod. 1996;11(5):1030–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Agarwal A, Sabanegh ES, Bragais FM. Laboratory assessment of male infertility–a guide for the urologist. US Urology. 2009;4(1):70–3.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Joffe M. Semen quality analysis and the idea of normal fertility. Asian J Androl. 2004;12(1):79–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Zavos PM, Goodpasture JC. Clinical improvements of specific seminal deficiencies via intercourse with a seminal collection device versus masturbation. Fertil Steril. 1989;51(1):190–3.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Pound N, Javed MH, Ruberto C, Shaikh MA, Del Valle AP. Duration of sexual arousal predicts semen parameters for masturbatory ejaculates. Physiol Behav. 2002;76(4–5):685–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Cooper TG, Keck C, Oberdieck U, Nieschlag E. Effects of multiple ejaculations after extended periods of sexual abstinence on total, motile and normal sperm numbers, as well as accessory gland secretions, from healthy normal and oligozoospermic men. Hum Reprod. 1993;8(8):1251–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. De Jonge C, LaFromboise M, Bosmans E, Ombelet W, Cox A, Nijs M. Influence of the abstinence period on human sperm quality. Fertil Steril. 2004;82(1):57–65.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Bjorndahl L, Kvist U. Sequence of ejaculation affects the spermatozoon as a carrier and its message. Reprod Biomed Online. 2003;7(4):440–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Cooper TG, Barfield JP, Yeung CH. Changes in osmolality during liquefaction of human semen. Int J Androl. 2005;28(1):58–60.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Lwaleed BA, Greenfield R, Stewart A, Birch B, Cooper AJ. Seminal clotting and fibrinolytic balance: a possible physiological role in the male reproductive system. Thromb Haemost. 2004;92(4):752–66.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Elzanaty S, Malm J, Giwercman A. Visco-elasticity of seminal fluid in relation to the epididymal and accessory sex gland function and its impact on sperm motility. Int J Androl. 2004;27(2):94–100.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Gonzales GF, Kortebani G, Mazzolli AB. Hyperviscosity and hypofunction of the seminal vesicles. Arch Androl. 1993;30(1):63–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Nieschlag E, Behre H, editors, Nieschlag S, Assist editor. Andrology. Male reproductive health and dysfunction. Berlin: Springer; 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Auger J, Kunstmann JM, Czyglik F, Jouannet P. Decline in semen quality among fertile men in Paris during the past 20 years. N Engl J Med. 1995;332(5):281–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Cooper TG, Brazil C, Swan SH, Overstreet JW. Ejaculate volume is seriously underestimated when semen is pipetted or decanted into cylinders from the collection vessel. J Androl. 2007;28(1):1–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Brazil C, Swan SH, Drobnis EZ, et al. Standardized methods for semen evaluation in a multicenter research study. J Androl. 2004;25(4):635–44.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Carlsen E, Petersen JH, Andersson AM, Skakkebaek NE. Effects of ejaculatory frequency and season on variations in semen quality. Fertil Steril. 2004;82(2):358–66.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Robbins SL, Kumar V. Basic pathology. 4th ed. Philadelphia: W.B Saunders; 1987.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Roberts M, Jarvi K. Steps in the investigation and management of low semen volume in the infertile man. Can Urol Assoc J. 2009;3(6):479–85.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Ng KK, Donat R, Chan L, Lalak A, Di Pierro I, Handelsman DJ. Sperm output of older men. Hum Reprod. 2004;19(8):1811–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Sherwood L. Human physiology from cells to systems. 7th ed. Belmont: Brooks/Cole; 2007.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Fritjofsson A, Kvist U, Ronquist G. Anatomy of the prostate. Aspects of the secretory function in relation to lobar structure. Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl. 1988;107:5–13.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. de la Taille A, Rigot JM, Mahe P, et al. Correlation of genitourinary abnormalities, spermiogram and CFTR genotype in patients with bilateral agenesis of the vas deferens. Prog Urol. 1998;8(3):370–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Weiske WH, Salzler N, Schroeder-Printzen I, Weidner W. Clinical findings in congenital absence of the vasa deferentia. Andrologia. 2000;32(1):13–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Rose NR. Techniques for the detection of iso- and auto-antibodies to human spermatozoa. Clin Exp Immunol. 1976;23:4.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Gunalp S, Onculoglu C, Gurgan T, Kruger TF, Lombard CJ. A study of semen parameters with emphasis on sperm morphology in a fertile population: an attempt to develop clinical thresholds. Hum Reprod. 2001;16(1):110–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Macomber D, Sanders MD. The spermatozoa count: its value in the diagnosis, prognosis and concentration in fertile and infertile men. N Engl J Med. 1929;200:3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Bonde JP, Ernst E, Jensen TK, et al. Relation between semen quality and fertility: a population-based study of 430 first-pregnancy planners. Lancet. 1998;352(9135):1172–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Larsen L, Scheike T, Jensen TK, et al. Computer-assisted semen analysis parameters as predictors for fertility of men from the general population. The Danish First Pregnancy Planner Study Team. Hum Reprod. 2000;15(7):1562–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Slama R, Eustache F, Ducot B, et al. Time to pregnancy and semen parameters: a cross-sectional study among fertile couples from four European cities. Hum Reprod. 2002;17(2):503–15.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Zinaman MJ, Brown CC, Selevan SG, Clegg ED. Semen quality and human fertility: a prospective study with healthy couples. J Androl. 2000;21(1):145–53.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Menkveld R, Stander FS, Kotze TJ, Kruger TF, van Zyl JA. The evaluation of morphological characteristics of human spermatozoa according to stricter criteria. Hum Reprod. 1990;5(5):586–92.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Auger J. Assessing human sperm morphology: top models, underdogs or biometrics? Asian J Androl. 2001;12(1):36–46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Franken DR, Franken CJ, de la Guerre H, de Villiers A. Normal sperm morphology and chromatin packaging: comparison between aniline blue and chromomycin A3 staining. Andrologia. 1999;31(6):361–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Fredricsson B, Bjork G. Morphology of postcoital spermatozoa in the cervical secretion and its clinical significance. Fertil Steril. 1977;28(8):841–5.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Menkveld R, Franken DR, Kruger TF, Oehninger S, Hodgen GD. Sperm selection capacity of the human zona pellucida. Mol Reprod Dev. 1991;30(4):346–52.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Liu DY, Baker HW. Evaluation and assessment of semen for IVF/ICSI. Asian J Androl. 2002;4(4):281–5.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Coetzee K, Kruge TF, Lombard CJ. Predictive value of normal sperm morphology: a structured literature review. Hum Reprod Update. 1998;4(1):73–82.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Menkveld R, Wong WY, Lombard CJ, et al. Semen parameters, including WHO and strict criteria morphology, in a fertile and subfertile population: an effort towards standardization of in-vivo thresholds. Hum Reprod. 2001;16(6):1165–71.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Van Waart J, Kruger TF, Lombard CJ, Ombelet W. Predictive value of normal sperm morphology in intrauterine insemination (IUI): a structured literature review. Hum Reprod Update. 2001;7(5):495–500.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Garrett C, Liu DY, Clarke GN, Rushford DD, Baker HW. Automated semen analysis: ‘zona pellucida preferred’ sperm morphometry and straight-line velocity are related to pregnancy rate in subfertile couples. Hum Reprod. 2003;18(8):1643–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Liu DY, Baker HW. Disordered zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction and failure of in vitro fertilization in patients with unexplained infertility. Fertil Steril. 2003;79(1):74–80.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Jeyendran RS, Van der Ven HH, Perez-Pelaez M, Crabo BG, Zaneveld LJ. Development of an assay to assess the functional integrity of the human sperm membrane and its relationship to other semen characteristics. J Reprod Fertil. 1984;70(1):219–28.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Ombelet W, Bosmans E, Janssen M, et al. Semen parameters in a fertile versus subfertile population: a need for change in the interpretation of semen testing. Hum Reprod. 1997;12(5):987–93.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Aitken RJ. Sperm function tests and fertility. Int J Androl. 2006;29(1):69–75; discussion 105–8.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Margot Flint MSc .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Flint, M., Lampiao, F., Agarwal, A., du Plessis, S.S. (2012). Sperm Assessment: Traditional Approaches and Their Indicative Value. In: Nagy, Z., Varghese, A., Agarwal, A. (eds) Practical Manual of In Vitro Fertilization. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1780-5_21

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1780-5_21

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-1779-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-1780-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics