Effects of sauna on sperm movement characteristics of normal men measured by computer-assisted sperm analysis |
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| Authors: | SAIKHUN,KITIYANANT,VANADURONGWAN,& PAVASUTHIPAISIT |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science and Institute of Science and Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon, Pathom 73170, Thailand |
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| Abstract: | The effects of sauna exposure on sperm movement characteristics and other semen parameters were evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). A significant ( p < 0.01) decrease in average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL) and amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) was found after exposure to sauna for 2 weeks. The altered parameters returned to their original values within 1 week after cessation of sauna exposure. Mean values for semen volume, sperm count, percentage motility, sperm morphology and sperm penetration assay (SPA) were not statistically different during and after sauna, when compared to the corresponding control values. The results suggest that increasing scrotal temperature by sauna causes a reversible decrease in sperm movement parameters. |
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| Keywords: | CASA sauna semen quality SPA sperm movement characteristics |
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