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Review
. 2022 Feb;117(2):237-245.
doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.11.037. Epub 2022 Jan 5.

Evolution of the WHO "Semen" processing manual from the first (1980) to the sixth edition (2021)

Christina Wang  1 , Michael Mbizvo  2 , Mario P Festin  3 , Lars Björndahl  4 , Igor Toskin  5 ; other Editorial Board Members of the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen
Affiliations
Review

Evolution of the WHO "Semen" processing manual from the first (1980) to the sixth edition (2021)

Christina Wang et al. Fertil Steril. 2022 Feb.

Abstract

As stated clearly in all editions of the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, the goal of the manual is to meet the growing needs for the standardization of semen analysis procedures. With constant advances in andrology and reproductive medicine and the advent of sophisticated assisted reproductive technologies for the treatment of infertility, the manual has been continuously updated to meet the need for new, evidence-based, validated tests to not only measure semen and sperm variables but also to provide a functional assessment of spermatozoa. The sixth edition of the WHO manual, launched in 2021, can be freely downloaded from the WHO website, with the hope of gaining wide acceptance and utilization as the essential source of the latest, evidence-based information for laboratory procedures required for the assessment of male reproductive function and health.

Keywords: Semen analysis standardization; advanced methods; basic and extended methods; quality control; references ranges.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The six editions of the WHO “Semen” manual.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Male Infertility.
    Niederberger C. Niederberger C. J Urol. 2022 Aug;208(2):457-458. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000002764. Epub 2022 May 20. J Urol. 2022. PMID: 35593060 No abstract available.

References

    1. World Health Organization . Press Concern; Singapore: 1980. Laboratory manual for the examination of human semen and semen-cervical mucus interaction.
    1. World Health Organization . 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press; Cambridge: 1987. WHO Laboratory manual for the examination of human semen and semen-cervical mucus interaction.
    1. Macleod J., Gold R.Z. The male factor in fertility and infertility. II. Spermatozoon counts in 1000 men of known fertility and in 1000 cases of infertile marriage. J Urol. 1951;66:436–449. - PubMed
    1. Macleod J., Gold R.Z. The male factor in fertility and infertility. III. An analysis of motile activity in the spermatozoa of 1000 fertile men and 1000 men in infertile marriage. Fertil Steril. 1951;2:187–204. - PubMed
    1. MacLeod J., Gold R.Z. The male factor in fertility and infertility. IV. Sperm morphology in fertile and infertile marriage. Fertil Steril. 1951;2:394–414. - PubMed

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