[The examination of sperm in the study of male fertility].
The laboratory investigation of male fertility is based on semen examinations and allows assessment of all events occurring between the onset of spermatogenesis and ejaculation. The sperm count and semen cytology remain the first-line examinations, but can be completed by more specific examinations allowing assessment of spermatozoan functions involved in passage along the female genital tract and penetration of the oocyte. However, apart from azoospermia, there is no absolute criterion beyond which semen can be considered to be infertile. The results must be interpreted by taking into account all these examinations which can provide element concerning the aetiology of infertility, helping to guide subsequent treatment. When the use of various in vivo treatments has failed, patients may require medically-assisted procreation (MAP) techniques. The type of MAP chosen will depend on the characteristics of the semen and the functional capacities of the spermatozoa.
Grizard
G
G
Service de Biologie du Développement et de la Reproduction, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Jimenez
C
C
D004542:Ejaculation / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000150:complications; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D012099:Reproductive Techniques; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D013075:Sperm Capacitation / Q000502:physiology; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology; D013084:Sperm-Ovum Interactions / Q000502:physiology; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*