title: Semen quality in middle-aged males: associations with prostate-specific antigen and age-related prostate conditions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare markers of semen quality and related reproductive indicators in middle-aged males in relation to serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 384 voluntary middle-aged men who underwent screening for prostate health were recruited. Reproductive function, semen quality, hormonal parameters, prostate-related pathologies, and PSA levels were measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Total sperm count and sperm concentration were decreased in men with elevated serum PSA compared with age-matched controls. Serum FSH levels differed significantly in subjects with non-malignant, pre-malignant, and malignant prostate conditions. PSA levels in men with three normal semen variables (semen volume ≥ 1.5 mL, sperm density ≥ 15 × 10(6)/mL, and A + B motility ≥ 40%) were significantly lower compared with subjects with altered parameters (1.51 ng/ml vs. 2.47 ng/ml, respectively, p = 0.002). PSA showed a negative correlation with semen volume and total sperm count, and a positive correlation with semen interleukin-6.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our data demonstrate that serum PSA levels are related to impaired reproductive parameters in middle-aged subjects. While there is no consensus about the potential link between male factor infertility, impaired reproductive indicators, and prostate pathologies, this topic needs additional research focusing on the interactions between male aging, reproductive function, and the prostate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Tartu University , Tartu , Estonia.
authors.forename: Kristo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ausmees
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Korrovits
authors.forename: Gennadi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Timberg
authors.forename: Triin
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Erm
authors.forename: Margus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Punab
authors.forename: Reet
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mändar
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D011469:Prostatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055101:Semen Analysis
chemical_list: D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen