Is Conventional Sperm Analysis of Any Use?

Abstract

Summary— The computerised records of 867 couples were used to investigate the prognostic significance of semen volume, motility, density and morphology. The couple‐months method of statistical analysis was used, with allowance being made for the duration of involuntary infertility (trying time). Both motility and density were shown to give independent prognostic information, and a table of estimated probabilities is presented which may be helpful when advising the infertile couple on their chances of future conception. If the product of the motility times the density exceeded 0.5 million motile sperm per ml, then one semen analysis was sufficient from the point of view of giving a prognosis.