Computer-Aided Semen Analysis Variables as Predictors of Male Fertility Potential

Abstract

A computer-aided semen analysis (CASA) was used to allow digitizing the motion of the spermatozoon. This procedure allows an objective means of judging semen quality, especially the translational movements of spermatozoa. Forty-three couples were included in the study. The average age of the male was 35.5 +/- 4.7 years and that of the female was 32.7 +/- 4.7 years. The average duration of infertility was 3.8 +/- 2.3 years. Using multiple linear regression analysis of 26 prognostic variables, a cluster of 8 variables significantly predicted pregnancy maximally. The 8 variables and the resultant multiple correlation coefficients were used to generate a multiple regression equation which allowed the correct separation of the population into fertile and infertile couples. The mean pregnancy predictor values of the fertile and infertile populations were significantly different using the analysis of variance.

Inverse correlation between reactive oxygen species in unwashed semen and sperm motion parameters as measured by a computer-assisted semen analyzer

“…This mechanism might be explained by spermatozoal membrane damage and depressed sperm flagellum motion as described above. The motility parameters ALH, VSL, VCL, and LIN have been reported to be correlated with fertility by several authors 2324252627. In our study, VSL and VCL measured using SMAS did not show correlation with ROS level, but ALH had strong correlation with ROS level.…”

Unexplained Male infertility: diagnosis and Management

“…These parameters are difficult to assess manually, both because they are difficult to quantify accurately by observation and also because the heightened movement speed of the sperm which means they often leave the microscope's field of view. In order to accurately evaluate hyperactivation, computer-assisted sperm motility assessment (CAMA) is used which assesses the sperm hyperactivation parameters (135,136). CAMA measurements have been positively correlated with IVF fertilization rates (137); however, it has been shown that assessment of sperm motion characteristics alone cannot be a reliable predictor of fertilization outcome (138).…”

Prognostic value of objective semen parameters in an in vitro fertilization program

“…However, new technologies such as CASA and the study of the acrosomal status increase the objectivity of the measurement and the appreciation of the functional status of the spermatozoa. It is now well accepted that conventional analysis is not an accurate predictor of the true fertility potential (14). The aim of our study was to determine, for a population with IUI failures, which semen parameters (standard and/or more specific criteria: computer-aided sperm analysis and acrosomal reaction) allow discrimination between fertile and nonfertile men during IVF, in order to target the most adapted procreation technique: IVF or ICSI.…”

“…The parameters obtained by CASA have been shown to correlate with the achievement of pregnancy (1), the outcome after IUI (14), and the hamster test assay (18). In "fresh semen, the relative values of CASA parameters are variable according to different studies.…”

“…Wang et al (24) found that the percentage of spermatozoa with HA transitional motility and the acrosome variables classified the samples achieving a good (>70%) or poor fertilization rate with 80% accuracy. Paston et al (14) used eight variables (one clinical factor, three conventional, and four nonconventional parameters of sperm analysis) to predict with an accuracy of 74.4% the fertility potential of an infertile group. According to MacLeod etal.…”