ROUTINE SPERMIOGRAM IN THE ASSESSMENT OF MALE-FERTILITY .2. CLASSIFICATION OF 1214 1ST SPERMIOGRAMS

An analysis has been made of 1214 consecutive unselected first spermiograms obtained from a male infertility clinic. At least 30 pieces of information were obtained for each specimen. Spermiograms were classified using the system of the Comité Internacional de Andrologia which was found to be unwieldy. In addition the degree of oligozoospermia was assigned to grades based on the sperm count. There were indications of an abnormality in the glands of the reproductive tract in 43% of the spermiograms so indicating the large role infection inflammation/congenital abnormality still plays in male infertility. No relationship could be found between the presence of a glandular abnormality and any specific abnormality in the morphology and motility characteristics of the spermatozoa. The decrease in percent normal spermatozoa with sperm count was more marked than the decrease in percent motility, speed or vitality. Spermatozoa died at the same rate regardless of sperm count. Useful additions to the routine spermiogram are probably an accurate counting of leucocytes and a cytological examination of the prostatic fluid. Measurement of semen pH was a useful parameter provided precautions were taken not to lose carbon dioxide. Acid pH, low volume and low fructose indicated the absence of a contribution from the seminal vesicles. In the differential spermiogram it was necessary only to determine the proportion of normal spermatozoa, abnormal spermatozoa and immature germ cells. Repeat determinations of motility, speed, avital spermatozoa and fructose provided no useful additional information. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved