title: Seasonal variations of human sperm cells among 6455 semen samples: a plausible explanation of a seasonal birth pattern.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the different sperm parameters according to season of the year on sperm production day and the season 70 days prior (during spermatogenesis).
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective Andrology Laboratory data comparison. A total of 6455 consecutive semen samples were collected as part of the basic fertility evaluation of 6447 couples. According to sperm concentration, the samples were classified as Normozoospermic or Oligozoospermic and analyzed in relation to the season.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sperm concentration and percentage of fast motility showed a significant decrease from spring toward summer and fall (P < .001) with recovery noticed during the winter. As well, the highest percentage of normal sperm morphology was observed during the winter months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Seasonal sperm pattern seems to be a circannual-rhythmic phenomenon. The winter and spring semen patterns are compatible with increased fecundability and may be a plausible explanation of the peak number of deliveries during the fall.
authors: Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
authors: Eliahu
authors: E
authors: Levitas
authors: Eitan
authors: E
authors: Lunenfeld
authors: Noemi
authors: N
authors: Weisz
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Friger
authors: Iris
authors: I
authors: Har-Vardi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001723:Birth Rate; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000209:etiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012621:Seasons; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology*