Influence of sexual stimulation on sperm parameters in semen samples collected via masturbation from normozoospermic men or cryptozoospermic men participating in an assisted reproduction programme

Abstract

Key words. Cryptozoospermia-masturbation-semen-sexualstimulation-sperm function S u m m a r y . To evaluate the influence of sexual stimulation via sexually stimulating videotaped visual images (VIM) on sperm function, two semen samples were collected from each of 19 normozoospermic men via masturbation with VIM. Two additional samples were collected from each man via masturbation without VIM. The volume of seminal plasma, total sperm count, sperm motility, percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa, outcome of hypo-osmotic swelling test and zona-free hamster oocyte sperm penetration assay, and markers of the secretory function of prostate were significantly larger in semen samples collected via masturbation with VIM than masturbation without VIM. The improved sperm parameters in the samples collected via masturbation with VIM may reflect an enhanced prostatic secretory function and increased loading of the vas deferens at that time. In a similar protocol, two semen samples were collected via masturbation with VIM from each of 22 non-obstructed azoospermic men. Semen samples from these men had been occasionally positive in the past for a very small number of spermatozoa (cryptozoospermic men). Two additional samples were collected from each cryptozoospermic man via masturbation without VIM. The volume of seminal plasma, total sperm count, sperm motility, and a marker of the secretory function of prostate were significantly larger in semen samples collected via masturbation with VIM. Fourteen out of the 22 men were negative for spermatozoa in both samples collected via mas-Correspondence: Nikolaos Sofikitis, fax: +81 859 348074.turbation without VIM. These men demonstrated spermatozoa in both samples collected via masturbation with VIM. Six men with immotile spermatozoa in both samples collected via masturbation without VIM exposed motile spermatozoa in both samples collected via masturbation with VIM. High sexual stimulation during masturbation with VIM results in recovery of spermatozoa of greater fertilizing potential both in normozoospermic and cryptozoospermic men. The appearance of spermatozoa after masturbation with VIM in the vast majority of cryptozoospermic men is of clinical significance in programmes applying intracytoplasmic sperm injections for the management of severe male infertility and obviates the need for testicular biopsy. U S .

Do Orgasms Give Women Feedback about Mate Choice?

“…Evidence shows, for example, that the method of harvesting semen for artificial insemination affects the potency of the ejaculate (i.e., likelihood of impregnation). Semen harvested from men who watch visual pornography while masturbating is significantly more potent than samples collected from those who are required to rely on their imagination to achieve sufficient arousal in order to ejaculate (Yamamoto, Sofikitis, Mio, and Miyagawa, 2000).…”

Randomised controlled trial of whether erotic material is required for semen collection: impact of informed consent on outcome

“…Two previous studies of men undergoing infertility evaluation have examined the impact of EM solely on semen analysis variables. One study of 41 men reported a positive effect (Yamamoto et al ., ) whereas the other study of 23 men reported no effect (van Roijen et al ., ); by contrast, our larger study found no impact on any semen analysis variables. Reflecting the widely held assumption, one of these studies concluded, despite its negative findings, that such EM was ‘… obviously a facilitative factor…’ and ‘… recommended …’ for semen collection in a clinical laboratory (van Roijen et al ., ).…”

“…While the laboratory methodology for semen analysis has been standardized for over 30 years by WHO manuals (World Health Organisation, , ), there is no established standard on the manner of semen collection, other than a preference for collection in the laboratory rather than at home (Gerris, ; Oshio et al ., ; Song et al ., ; Elzanaty & Malm, ; Licht et al ., ) or using a specialised collection condom (Zavos & Goodpasture, ). There is evidence from small observational studies that semen analysis variables may be influenced by the nature of sexual stimulation such as whether semen is collect by interrupted intercourse or masturbation (Zavos, ,b; Zavos & Goodpasture, ; Sofikitis & Miyagawa, ; Zavos et al ., ) and whether or not visual erotic material (EM) are provided (van Roijen et al ., ; Yamamoto et al ., ). Most semen collection are performed for evaluation of infertility, but a growing proportion is attributable to sperm cryostorage, a routine form of fertility insurance prior to potentially sterilising chemo‐ or radiotherapy for cancer or other conditions requiring gonadotoxic therapy.…”

Correlation of the Erectile Dysfunction with Lesions of Cerebrovascular Accidents

“…On the other hand, an interest in the AVSS test has developed as a more physiological and cost-effective alternative to the NPTR test. Some data in the literature concerning the comparative results of the NPTR test and AVSS test were not able to demonstrate a meaningful difference with respect to the diagnostic value of the two tests [13,[26][27][28][29]. Therefore, we had originally planned to evaluate ED with NPTR test, but changed to AVSS due to the reasons which were mentioned above.…”