Use of Albumin Columns for Semen Filtration in Male Infertility

Abstract

The male factor is the cause of infertility or plays a significant contributory role in a large proportion of childless couples. It has been estimated that decreased sperm count and/or low motility occur among 40–50% of husbands in such couples (Speroff et al. 1978). The severity of the problem is reflected in the semen analysis, which may indicate absolute sterility, as in patients with azoospermia, or a relatively minor problem as in patients with mild oligospermia. In the semen of the majority of subfertile men, morphologically normal, motile spermatozoa are present, although in a significantly decreased number. Semen analysis in such cases usually reveals predominance of non-motile and abnormally formed spermatozoa, immature germ cells, germinal epithelium, leukocytes and other inflammatory cells, epithelial cells originating from excretory ducts or accessory sex organs, amorphous material, as well as other cellular and non-cellular debris. It is only infrequently that disorders such as endocrine disturbances, chromosomal abnormalities, varicocele, or infection can be identified as the cause of male infertility. In the majority of men with oligospermia or decreased motility no definite cause can be demonstrated.