Abstract
The semen quality of 516 fertile men, 20-50 years old, was evaluated and compared with that of 39 men 51-68 years old. The fertile men studied were selected from those whose semen was analyzed within three months of their wives' impregnation. The older men were referred to the clinic because of problems of potency. In the fertile group the following mean values were obtained: volume of ejaculate 3.7 ml, pH 7.7, calcium 26.5 mg%, seminal plasma fructose 299 mg%, sperm concentrations 79 million/ml, sperm motility 48%, sperm vitality 68%, normal sperm morphology 54%. In the older men the volume of the ejaculate (2.2 ml), sperm vitality (54%) and motility (40%) were all decreased. The wide range of variability in semen characteristic among fertile men is emphasized. In a fertile semen specimen motility is usually about 50%, normal morphology 55% and sperm concentration is greater than 10 million/ml (normal volume). In older men degenerative changes in the seminal vesicles are reflected in diminished volume and fructose production and there is malfunction of the epididymis, reflected in decreased sperm vitality and motility.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 318-320+360 |
| Journal | Harefuah |
| Volume | 100 |
| Issue number | 7 |
| State | Published - 1981 |
| Externally published | Yes |