Human semen analysis

Abstract

Rapid developments have occurred in the management of couple infertility due to a male factor. These have stimulated renewed interest in semen analysis, which has become more correct, more reliable and more informative. The so-called basic semen analysis, which includes subjective estimation of sperm concentration, motility and morphology, has largely become obsolete. It has been replaced by several alternative techniques such as the home testing of semen by the man himself, the elaboration of methods and equipments for the exact assessment of conventional sperm characteristics, and the measurement of new parameters evaluating the functional state and capacity of spermatozoa, accessory sex glands and seminiferous epithelium. The present paper covers the following items: (i) conventional methods of semen analysis, (ii) the resazurin test and home fertility scoring, (iii) advanced methods for the objective assessment of conventional sperm characteristics and motility parameters.