Semen parameters in a sample of fertile Egyptian men in Beni Suef Governorate

Abstract

IntroductionThe fifth edition of the WHO semen analysis manual provides the lowest reference limits for semen parameters. Until now, a reference for Egyptian semen has not been established. PurposeThe aim of the study was to determine different sperm parameters in a sample of proven fertile men in Beni Suef Governorate. Participants and methodsA total of 200 fertile men, with fertility proven by the presence of either pregnant wives or wives who had delivered not earlier than 1 year before, provided semen samples for computer-assisted semen analysis. The WHO criteria were applied. ResultsOur results were comparable to those of WHO regarding the mean values but variable with respect to the fifth percentile, which was used as a lower limit by WHO. The fifth percentiles for volume, concentration, and morphology (1.8 ml, 20.85 million/ml, 7.58% respectively) were higher than the WHO reference values (1.5 ml, 15 million/ml, and 4%, respectively). But our fifth percentiles for total and progressive motility (34.45 and 27.7%, respectively) were below the WHO lower limits (40 and 32%, respectively). There was no significant difference in semen parameters between age groups. ConclusionOur results may serve as a guide for future studies on semen quality in Egypt.