NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Assessment of disorders of spermatogenesis.

Overstreet JW

Reproduction: the new frontier in occupational and environmental health research: proceedings of the Fifth Annual RMCOEH Occupational and Environmental Health Conference, Park City, Utah, April 5-8, 1983. Lockey JE, Lemasters GK, Keye WR Jr., eds. New York: Alan R. Liss, Inc., 1984 Sep; :275-292

00131435

Methods of assessing spermatogenesis disorders are described. The biological basis of male infertility or sub fertility is not well understood, due to the lack of research on this topic and the primitive state of current diagnostic procedures. For most males afflicted with spermatogenesis disorders, there is no therapy or rehabilitative method. A careful and expert semen evaluation provides important information concerning male reproductive physiology, although it is also sometimes necessary to biopsy the testes to obtain all needed information. In the standard semen analysis four bulk semen parameters are measured: ejaculate volume; sperm concentration; sperm motility; and sperm morphology. Other parameters of sperm function which are assessed include sperm/cervical mucus interaction and sperm/oocyte interaction. Also to be taken into account when assessing fertility in men are female reproductive problems and fertility problems suffered by both the male and female. Assessments should consider the normal wide, healthy variation among males and also any recent illness or physical condition. Post fertilization reproductive failure, such as repeated early spontaneous abortion, should also be considered in assessments. The author concludes that assessment of male infertility or sub fertility can be greatly improved with the use of new, better technology and consideration of the many factors affecting male fertility.

Clinical-diagnosis; Reproductive-effects; Biological-effects; Occupational-exposure; NIOSH-Grant; Clinical-symptoms; Reproductive-system; Environmental-factors; NIOSH-Publication

19840901

Conference/Symposia Proceedings

Lockey JE; Lemasters GK; Keye WR Jr.

149571

Grant

1984

9780845150108

Grant-Number-R01-OH-01148

Reproduction: the new frontier in occupational and environmental health research: proceedings of the Fifth Annual RMCOEH Occupational and Environmental Health Conference, Park City, Utah, April 5-8, 1983

NC

Department of Human Anatomy University of California Davis, California 95616