OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to compare the semen parameters of two successive samples obtained within an interval of less than 60 minutes from patients planning to undergo intrauterine insemination (IUI) whose first samples exhibited low semen quality. METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. On the day of IUI, the semen analysis of the samples initially presented by all patients met at least two of the following criteria: sperm concentration <5×10(6)/mL, total sperm count <10×10(6), progressive sperm motility (a+b) in the native sample <30%, and total motile sperm count (TMSC) <4×10(6). A successive semen sample was obtained no more than 60 minutes after the first sample. RESULTS: Compared to the first sample, the second exhibited significantly (p<0.05) improved sperm concentration, TMSC, progressive motility, and vitality. Regarding TMSC, the most critical parameter on the day of IUI, 23 patients (71.8%) improved it, while nine (28.2%) displayed poorer outcomes. CONCLUSION: In defined cases, requesting a second successive ejaculate on the day of insemination may result in a high percentage of cases in an improvement of the quality of the sample.
Humans ; Insemination* ; Semen Analysis ; Semen* ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of two different surgical methods for varicocelectomy, and to assess the effects of varicocelectomy on semen parameters in subinfertile men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 63 patients with clinically palpable varicocele and abnormal semen parameters who underwent varicocelectomy. Thirty-three patients underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy, and 30 received microsurgical inguinal varicocelectomy. Semen analyses were performed 5.3 months later, and compared with the pre-operative data. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 32.1+/-1.3 years old. Comparison of the semen parameters between pre and post-varicocelectomy revealed significant improvement in the sperm count (p<0.05). In laparoscopic and microsurgical inguinal varicocelectomy, the sperm counts were increased from 16.2+/-4.3 to 30.6+/-7.5 and from 15.4+/-3.8 to 37.5+/-7.7, respectively. Sperm motility also tended to improve. CONCLUSIONS: Varicocelectomy enhanced semen parameters after both laparoscopic and microsurgical methods. In subfertile men, early varicocelectomy is recommended.
Humans ; Male ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Varicocele

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of two different surgical methods for varicocelectomy, and to assess the effects of varicocelectomy on semen parameters in subinfertile men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 63 patients with clinically palpable varicocele and abnormal semen parameters who underwent varicocelectomy. Thirty-three patients underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy, and 30 received microsurgical inguinal varicocelectomy. Semen analyses were performed 5.3 months later, and compared with the pre-operative data. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 32.1+/-1.3 years old. Comparison of the semen parameters between pre and post-varicocelectomy revealed significant improvement in the sperm count (p<0.05). In laparoscopic and microsurgical inguinal varicocelectomy, the sperm counts were increased from 16.2+/-4.3 to 30.6+/-7.5 and from 15.4+/-3.8 to 37.5+/-7.7, respectively. Sperm motility also tended to improve. CONCLUSIONS: Varicocelectomy enhanced semen parameters after both laparoscopic and microsurgical methods. In subfertile men, early varicocelectomy is recommended.
Humans ; Male ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Varicocele

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlations of 24 biochemical markers in the seminal plasma with routine semen parameters.

METHODSAccording to the WHO5 standards, we analyzed the routine semen parameters of 66 subfertile men, including the semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility, and the percentage of progressively motile sperm (PR). Based on the calibration and quality control measures and using an automatic biochemistry analyzer or electrolyte analyzer, we detected 24 biochemical markers in the seminal plasma of the patients, including total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), globulin (Glb), uric acid (UA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), alpha hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (αHBDH), adenosine deaminase (ADA), glucose (Glu), triglyeride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), urea nitrogen (UN), creatinine (Cr), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), K+, Na+, Cl- , Ca, Mg, and phosphorus (P). Then we analyzed the correlations of the 24 biochemical markers with routine semen parameters.

RESULTSThe levels of the TP, Alb, and Glb proteins in the seminal plasma were positively correlated with sperm concentration, so was that of Alb with the total sperm count, and the AST and LDH activities with sperm concentration and total sperm count. The AKP activity in the seminal plasma was correlated negatively with the semen volume, but positively with sperm motility. The αHBDH activity exhibited a positive correlation with both sperm concentration and total sperm count, with a coefficient of correlation (r) above 0.7. The UN level was correlated negatively with the semen volume, so was the Cr level with the semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count, and the Glu level with sperm concentration and total sperm count. The TG level was correlated positively with the semen volume, but negatively with sperm motility. The levels of seminal plasma ALT, GGT, ADA, UA, TC, CK, and hsCRP showed no correlation with the above-mentioned semen parameters. None of the seminal plasma K+, Na+, Ca, Mg, and P levels was found correlated with semen parameters except the Cl- level, which was negatively correlated with the semen volume.

CONCLUSIONMany biochemical markers in the seminal plasma are closely related to routine semen parameters, indicating that these biochemical components may play roles in spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, and physiological metabolism.

Biomarkers ; chemistry ; Humans ; Male ; Semen ; chemistry ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility

OBJECTIVETo investigate the quality and spatial distribution features of semen and to evaluate the reproductive health of the males in the Chongqing section of the Three-Gorge Reservoir area.

METHODSWe collected semen samples by masturbation after 2 -7 days of abstinence from the men in Nan'an, Shapingba, Zhongxian, Wanzhou, Yunyang and Wushan of Chongqing, which are geographically and demographically representative of the Three-Gorge Reservoir area. We analyzed the semen quality of all the samples and evaluated the reproductive health of the men.

RESULTSThe mean value of the five semen parameters of the male subjects from the six districts was within the normal range, including semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, rapid progressive motile sperm, and total motile sperm. Those from Shapingba, Yunyang and Zhongxian exhibited abnormal sperm motility. According to the WHO criteria, normal value of all the semen parameters was found in less than 50% of the semen samples from the six districts, in 47% of those from Yunyang, and only 16% of those from Wanzhou. Spatial distribution maps of the semen parameters revealed significant spatial differences in seminal quality among the six districts, the highest in Yunyang, and the lowest in Wanzhou and Wushan that are located in the middle and lower reaches of the Three-Gorge Reservoir area.

CONCLUSIONThe mean value of semen parameters was low in a large proportion of men in the Chongqing section of the Three-Gorge Reservoir area, with spatial differences along the Changjiang river.

Adult ; China ; Humans ; Male ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of smoking on sperm apoptosis and semen quality of healthy adult males in the main urban area of Chongqing.

METHODSAccording to the smoking habit, we divided 235 healthy adult males into a non-smoking group (n = 89) and a smoking group (n = 146). Then we detected the routine semen parameters by the computer-assisted semen analysis system and obtained the parameters of sperm apoptosis (the ratios of AN-/PI-, AN+/PI-, AN+/PI+ and AN-/PI+ sperm) by flow cytometry combined with Annexin V-FITC/PI fluorescence staining.

RESULTSThe rate of early apoptotic sperm (AN+/PI-) was higher in the smoking than in the non-smoking group ([8.1 +/- 5.1]% vs [6.8 +/- 3.8]%; P = 0.039), but there were no significant differences between the two groups in the rate of late apoptotic sperm (AN+/PI+) ([5.6 +/- 5.2]% vs [5.5 +/- 5.1]%; P = 0.87), as well as in such routine semen indexes as semen volume, sperm density, sperm motility, sperm vitality and normal sperm morphology (P = 0.30, 0.82, 0.37, 0.81 and 0.84, respectively).

CONCLUSIONThe rate of early apoptotic sperm is higher in smokers than in non-smokers, suggesting that smoking may induce early damage to sperm cells. Compared with routine semen parameters, sperm apoptosis is a more sensitive biomarker to reflect smoking-induced damage to sperm.

Apoptosis ; China ; Humans ; Male ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Smoking ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa ; cytology

Wenzhou has improved its environmental quality because of comprehensive environmental remediation; nevertheless, the semen quality of infertile males remains unclear. This study determined whether better environmental quality improved semen quality in this region. We recorded semen quality data from 22 962 infertile males from January 2014 to November 2019 at the Center for Reproductive Health of The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Wenzhou, China). Patients were predominantly 30-35 years old (33.1%) and workers (82.0%), with high school education or lower (77.6%); more than a half of the patients (52.6%) were Wenzhou household registration; and most patients (77.5%) had abnormal semen quality. Patients who were older than 40 years and workers, and those with Wenzhou household registration, had significantly worse semen quality (all P < 0.05). From 2014 to 2019, progressive sperm motility, total sperm motility, and semen volume showed increasing linear trends in all patients (P = 0.021, 0.030, and 0.005, respectively), yet normal sperm morphology showed a linearly decreasing trend (P = 0.046). Sensitivity analyses for subgroups yielded similar results. In conclusion, the improvement of environmental quality and better function of the accessory glands are associated with progressive sperm motility, total sperm motility, and semen volume. Normal sperm morphology is influenced by occupational exposures and personal lifestyle and does not improve with environmental quality.
Male ; Humans ; Adult ; Semen Analysis ; Semen ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Infertility, Male ; Spermatozoa

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the change trends of sperm quality with seasonal variations among the volunteers of sperm donors in Beijing area, as well as the relationship between two parameters. METHODS: Semen data from the volunteers of sperm donors in Human Sperm Bank of Peking University Third Hospital were collected using a retrospective study method. The subjects were divided into 4 seasonal groups based on the lunar solar terms and the time of sperm donation. The data were assessed to find whether there were differences in semen parameters among different seasonal groups, and to analyze the change trends and the influence of seasonal factors on semen parameters. RESULTS: A total of 21 174 semen parameter data were analyzed. Firstly, to analyze all data as a whole, in spring, summer, autumn and winter groups, sperm concentration was (106.04±59.67)×10⁶/mL, (97.61±47.41)×10⁶/mL, (100.18±47.17)×10⁶/mL, (100.59±38.68)×10⁶/mL, respectively, and the spring group was significantly higher than the other 3 seasonal groups (P < 0.001); proportion of progressive motility sperm (PR) was 56.49%±12.76%, 58.02%±13.65%, 58.05%±12.36%, and 57.66%±12.61%, respectively, spring group was lower than the other three seasonal groups, and summer group was better among the latter (P < 0.001). There was no difference in normal rate of sperm morphology among the four seasonal groups. The qualified rate of sperm donors in the winter group was higher than that in the other three seasons groups (P < 0.01), while the qualified rate in the summer group was lower than that in the other three seasons groups. In addition, the semen parameters of the volunteers during the screening period and the official sperm donation period were analyzed respectively, which revealed that sperm concentration of spring group was higher than that of summer and winter groups, and PR was lower than that of summer and autumn groups. On account of the semen parameters of official sperm donation period, multiple linear regression analysis found that season was the main factor affecting sperm concentration, the average sperm concentration in spring group was about 6×10⁶/mL higher than in winter group, but PR was 2.9% lower in spring group compared with autumn group (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Season was the influencing factor of semen quality of sperm donors in Beijing area. We recommend spring and winter may be the preferred seasons for sperm donation.
Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Seasons ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa

The fatty acid composition of spermatozoa has been shown to be important for their function, and L-carnitine is crucial for fatty acid metabolism. Its levels in the seminal plasma positively correlate with semen quality, whereas high body mass index (BMI) is associated with both reduced semen quality and altered sperm fatty acid composition. Here, we examined the associations between free seminal L-carnitine levels and sperm fatty acid composition as well as BMI. Semen samples were collected and analyzed from 128 men with unknown fertility status and with BMI ranging from 19 kg m^-2 to 63 kg m^-2. Sperm fatty acid composition was assessed by gas chromatography, while free seminal L-carnitine analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation of free seminal L-carnitine levels with the amount of sperm palmitic acid (β = 0.21; P = 0.014), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; β = 0.23; P = 0.007), and total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (β = 0.23; P = 0.008) and a negative correlation of free seminal L-carnitine levels with lignoceric acid (β = -0.29; P = 0.001) and total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (β = -0.24; P = 0.012) when adjusted for covariates. There was no relationship between free seminal L-carnitine levels and BMI. Since free seminal L-carnitine levels are associated with semen quality, the absence of a correlation with BMI suggests that reduced semen quality in obese men is independent of seminal L-carnitine.
Carnitine ; Docosahexaenoic Acids ; Fatty Acids ; Humans ; Male ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa

Accumulating epidemiological evidence shows that handgrip strength provides predictive potential in physical, mental, and reproductive health status. However, the associations between handgrip strength and semen characteristics have not been explored. We recruited 1382 eligible men at the Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank (Wuhan, China) who had their handgrip strength measured at recruitment and provided 6458 repeated semen specimens within a 6-month period. Semen characteristics, including semen volume, sperm motility parameters (immotility, nonprogressive motility, and progressive motility), and sperm concentration, were assessed. Mixed-effect models and restricted cubic spline functions were applied to investigate the relationship of handgrip strength with repeated measurements of semen characteristics. After adjusting for confounding factors, the mixed-effect models revealed that handgrip strength was positively associated with semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility, and total count (all P for trend < 0.05). Compared to men in the lowest quartile, those in the highest quartile of handgrip strength had higher semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility, and total count, with measurements of 14.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.9%-23.2%), 19.5% (95% CI: 7.3%‒33.1%), 9.5% (95% CI: 3.4%‒15.9%), 8.8% (95% CI: 3.2%‒14.6%), and 36.4% (95% CI: 18.9%‒56.5%), respectively. These positive dose-response relationships were further confirmed in restricted cubic splines, where handgrip strength was modeled as a continuous variable. Handgrip strength, as an indicator of muscular function and strength, was positively associated with semen characteristics in a dose-dependent manner.
Male ; Humans ; Semen ; Sperm Motility ; Hand Strength ; Sperm Count ; Semen Analysis ; Spermatozoa ; China/epidemiology*