Seminal quality in the first fraction of ejaculate

Abstract

Semen samples from 40 patients were collected in consecutive fractions. The variability in semen quality of each fraction was then determined. The first ejaculated fraction (FEF) primarily contained prostatic secretions, while the second ejaculate fraction (SEF) held the majority of the spermatozoa suspended in the secretions from the seminal vesicle. Differences in sperm quality were observed when the FEF was compared to the SEF and the total ejaculate fraction (TEF). These included the seminal parameters (volume, sperm concentration, motility) and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). When compared to TEF and SEF, the FEF presented a lower volume, higher sperm concentration, higher motility rates, and lower SDF. The data suggest that the first fraction renders an improved subpopulation of spermatozoa, with lower SDF. Spermatozoa from this fraction and hence their use for ART may have a positive effect on fertilization and embryo development.

Equivalent seminal characteristics in human and stallion at first and second ejaculated fractions

“…Sperm DNA damage was assessed by using the sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD, Halosperm for human and Halomax for stallion; Halotech DNA, Madrid, Spain) as it was, respectively, used in both species (Crespo et al, 2015;Hebles et al, 2014). CON and PM were assessed with a CASA system-specific module (SCA, Microptic SL Barcelona, Spain), using fixed volume chamber slides (Leja, Holland) and by selecting default settings for human application.…”

“…Thus, there are new technologies that can all be addressed for the best selection of the spermatozoa that shall be used for assisted reproductive techniques (ART). For example, the case of recurrent ejaculation, coupled or not with sperm selection (Carlsen, Petersen, Andersson, & Skakkebaek, 2004;Gosálvez, González-Martínez, López-Fernández, Fernández, & Sánchez-Martín, 2011;Levitas et al, 2005), or ejaculate fractionation with the first fraction being substantially better than the second (Crespo, Gosálvez, Johnston, & de la Torre, 2015;Hebles, Dorado, González-Martínez, & Sánchez-Martín, 2014;Kumar, Kalthur, Mascarenhas, Kumar, & Adiga, 2011;Valsa, Skandhan, Khan, Sumangala, & Gondalia, 2012), are logistically easy strategies to be implemented at the time of sperm collection. All these techniques aim to improve general sperm characteristics such as motility and morphology and reducing levels of DNA damage (Delbes, Herrero, Troeung, & Chan, 2013;Parmegiani et al, 2010).…”

“…The above-mentioned seminal proteomic studies, as well as semen collection procedures for ART, usually treat the ejaculate as a whole; subsequently, more intense investigations are needed to understand the real role of seminal plasma composition associated with each ejaculated fraction, since observed differences between fractions in the accumulation of "good" or "bad" spermatozoa might be related with the physiological differences found in their seminal plasma compositions(Hebles et al, 2014;Kareskoski, Rivera del Alamo et al, 2011;Kareskoski, Sankari et al, 2011). Batruch et al (2011) described more than 2000 proteins in human seminal plasma.…”

Seminal Volume as an Indirect Factor for Determining Success at in Vitro Fertilization

“…Previous studies have shown that sperm from the ejaculate may contain higher levels of DNA fragmentation in comparison with sperm obtained directly from the testicle, and even the latter improving outcomes of assisted reproduction [3]. Seminal plasma can be a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can have a negative impact on the integrity of sperm DNA [4]. Due to this, it is necessary to know to detail the different components that are part of the ejaculate.…”

“…The first ejaculate fraction, that consists of 15-45% of the ejaculate is sperm-rich and contains secretions from the epididymis and prostate. The second ejaculate fraction, consisting of 55-85% of the entire volume, exhibits a low sperm count and mainly contains seminal gland secretions [4].…”