ABSTRACT

Semen analysis is used routinely to evaluate infertile men. Attempts to introduce quality control within and between laboratories have highlighted the subjectivity and variability of traditional semen parameters. A signifi cant overlap in sperm concentration, motility, and morphology between fertile and infertile men has been demonstrated (1). In addition, standard measurements may not reveal subtle sperm defects such as DNA damage and can these defects affect fertility. New markers are needed to better discriminate infertile men from fertile ones, predict pregnancy outcome in the female partner, and calculate the risk of adverse reproductive events.