Comparison of Sperm Parameters Between Fertile and Subfertile Couples

Purpose: In each society approximately 15% of couples suffer from fertility disorders and half of these are up to male factors. The aim of this study was to design and perform a prospective study to analyze and compare sperm parameters of feriite and sub fertile couples, in order to determine the minimum values required for fertility in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: 20o semen samples from patients which referred to Isfahan Fertility and Infertility centre as sub fertile samples were evaluated. 234 semen samples from individuals who their wives were pregnant, analyzed as fertile samples (summer 2004 to 2005). Volume, Density, motility, progressive linear motility, normal morphology, total count, motile count, normal count and normal motile count were recorded. The data were analyzed by SPSS 11.5 and mean, median, range and 5, 10 percentile per each of parameters in fertile and sub fertile samples were calculated. The Receiver operative curves (ROC) i.e. area under curve and cut off values for semen parameters in 434 semen samples were recorded. Results: The results reveal that only the mean value of volume between fertile and sub fertile couples show no significant difference (p=0.142) and the volume of samples should not be considered as diagnostic value in order to determine potential or fertility status of individuals. Normal morphology (AUC=0.790) and progressive linear motility (AUC=0.783) have high specificity and sensitivity to predict fertility potential of individuals. Conclusion: The comparison between the results of this study with similar international studies high lighted the necessity of performance the similar regional studies. Since the geographic and genetic differences could be factors which produce the different values in semen parameters in each area. Obviously these values play and have a basic rule in selection suitable treatment procedure in sub fertile individuals.