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Is there really a decrease in sperm parameters among healthy young men? A survey of sperm donations during 15 years

  • Andrology
  • Published:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose: Our purpose was to measure changes in semen quality and quantity in young healthy sperm donors in Jerusalem over time.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of semen parameters over 15 years using linear regression analysis, in a single sperm bank in a tertiary university center. Study population consisted of 188 young, healthy medical students, aged 20 to 30 years, who donated sperm samples for Artificial insemination between 1980 and 1995.

Results: There were no statistically significant changes in semen concentration and motility during the study period. The mean semen volume increased by 0.1 ml (5.1%) per year (P < 0.0001), with a concomitant mean rise of 5.8 × 106 (7.7%) per year in total motile sperm count. The percentage normal morphology decreased by a mean of 1.04% per year during the entire period (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: During the past 15 years, there has been an increase in total motile sperm count, secondary to an increase in semen volume, and a decline in normal morphology that are independent of the age and the duration of abstinence in fertile men.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Medical Center, Ein-Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel

    Abraham Benshushan, Orly Shoshani, Joseph G. Schenker & Aby Lewin

  2. Department of Social Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Ein-Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel

    Ora Paltiel

Authors
  1. Abraham Benshushan
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  2. Orly Shoshani
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  3. Ora Paltiel
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  4. Joseph G. Schenker
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  5. Aby Lewin
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Benshushan, A., Shoshani, O., Paltiel, O. et al. Is there really a decrease in sperm parameters among healthy young men? A survey of sperm donations during 15 years. J Assist Reprod Genet 14, 347–353 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02765840

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02765840

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