Evaluation of structural problems in the application of strict criteria for sperm morphology assessment.

Background: The WHO manual for basic semen analysis and ISO 23162 describe sperm morphology assessment as a standard part of semen analysis. Older studies showed a correlation between morphology results and (artificial) conception. In more recent studies this relationship was less apparent and there is more emphasis on sperm morphology as a marker for healthy spermatogenesis (and general male health).

External quality control and training of semen analysis in the Netherlands: starting point for further reduction of outcome variability.

Semen analysis is characterized by high levels of intra- and inter-laboratory variability, due to a low level of standardization, high subjectivity of the assessments, and problems with automated procedures. To improve consistency of laboratory results, quality control and training of technicians are important requisites. The goals of this study are to evaluate the results of an external quality control (EQC) program and standardized training by ESHRE Basic Semen Analysis Courses (BSAC) on the variability in manual assessments of semen parameters.

Predictive value of sperm morphology and progressively motile sperm count for pregnancy outcomes in intrauterine insemination.

Objective: To investigate the value of sperm parameters to predict an ongoing pregnancy outcome in couples treated with intrauterine insemination (IUI), during a methodologically stable period of time.

Design: Retrospective, observational study with logistic regression analyses.

Setting: University hospital.

Status of sperm morphology assessment: an evaluation of methodology and clinical value.

Objective: To characterize methodological changes in sperm morphology assessment and to correlate sperm morphology with clinical outcome.

Design: In this observational study, sperm morphology profiles of patients were analyzed. The percentages of morphologically normal spermatozoa were evaluated with respect to changes in morphology assessment criteria; male aging; and prognostic value for outcomes after in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Morphology of partial globozoospermia.

Total globozoospermia is a rare sperm morphology disorder that consists of 100% round-headed, acrosomeless spermatozoa. There is also a larger group of patients whose sperm cells are partially acrosomeless. The aim of this investigation was to describe partial globozoospermia compared to total globozoospermia and normozoospermia.