"Oligozoospermia," "azoospermia," and other semen-analysis terminology: the need for better science.
The Greek-based terms used to describe semen-analysis abnormalities (e.g., "oligozoospermia" and "azoospermia") are unscientific, have overlapping definitions, and are often misinterpreted. The best course is to abandon these vague and difficult labels and simply report semen analyses quantitatively.
Grimes
David A
DA
Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA. dgrimes@fhi.org
Lopez
Laureen M
LM
D053713:Azoospermia / Q000145:classification*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000145:classification*; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000145:classification*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012661:Semen / Q000166:cytology*; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014944:World Health Organization