Assessment of qualitative defects in patients with normal sperm counts

Abstract

Across the globe about 15% of married couples undergo infertility problem. About 20-30% of these cases are due to defects in semen and 30%-40% have combined defects in both men and women. So, malefactor associated infertility is observed in one third of the infertility couples. Semen analysis is the principal baseline investigation carried out for the detection of male infertility. [1][2][3] Semen analysis performed by using the WHO criteria encompass quantitative as well as qualitative parameters. [4] Quantitative examination includes measurement of semen volume and sperm counts.Qualitative analysis includes assessment of viscosity, morphology and motility.Assessment of sperm morphology is the major benchmark in determining the quality of a semen sample and it plays a key role in detecting male infertility. Qualitative analysis can be carried out by assessing the semen sample for identification of defects in different parts such as head, middle piece, and tail. [5] Accuracy of semen morphology assessment mainly depends on vigilant preparation, fixation and staining of the smear, since any of these procedures can significantly influence the sperm dimensions.