Is there really a decrease in sperm parameters among healthy young men? A survey of sperm donations during 15 years.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to measure changes in semen quality and quantity in young healthy sperm donors in Jerusalem over time.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of semen parameters over 15 years using linear regression analysis, in a single sperm bank in a tertiary university center. Study population consisted of 188 young, healthy medical students, aged 20 to 30 years, who donated sperm samples for Artificial insemination between 1980 and 1995.


RESULTS
There were no statistically significant changes in semen concentration and motility during the study period. The mean semen volume increased by 0.1 ml (5.1%) per year (P < 0.0001), with a concomitant mean rise of 5.8 x 10(6) (7.7%) per year in total motile sperm count. The percentage normal morphology decreased by a mean of 1.04% per year during the entire period (P < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
During the past 15 years, there has been an increase in total motile sperm count, secondary to an increase in semen volume, and a decline in normal morphology that are independent of the age and the duration of abstinence in fertile men.
Benshushan
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Medical Center, Ein-Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel.
Shoshani
O
O
Paltiel
O
O
Schenker
J G
JG
Lewin
A
A
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009017:Morbidity / Q000639:trends; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000453:epidemiology; D012016:Reference Values; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012661:Semen; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013997:Time Factors; D014019:Tissue Donors