OBJECTIVETo analyze the distribution characteristics of the main semen parameters of healthy semen donors and normal fertile men in Shanghai, compare the semen quality between the two groups, and investigate the normal reference values of the semen parameters of the fertile population in Shanghai.

METHODSWe obtained semen samples from 100 healthy donors and 41 fertile men, performed semen analyses according to the WHO (2010) guidelines, and determined the semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, total sperm count and total progressively motile sperm count. We analyzed the distribution of the semen parameters of the normal fertile men, and obtained the lower limits of their normal reference values.

RESULTSThere were no statistically significant differences in the main semen parameters between the healthy donors and normal fertile men (P < 0.05). The lower reference limits for the semen parameters of normal fertile men in Shanghai (P < 0.05) were as follows: sperm concentration > or = 27.3 x 10(6)/ml, sperm progressive motility > or = 8.1%, semen volume > or = 0.82 ml, total sperm count > or = 44.73 x 10(6) per ejaculate, and total progressively motile sperm count > or = 24.68 x 10(6) per ejaculate.

CONCLUSIONFor the evaluation of male fecundity, total sperm count and total progressively motile sperm count may be two better predictors than others.