Cambios en la calidad seminal y factores relacionados en una población de pacientes en tratamiento de reproducción asistida

Objective

To identify changes in seminal quality and associated factors in men undergoing assisted reproduction techniques in the catchment area of la Mancha-Centro Hospital.

Methods

Data were obtained from the patients’ medical records. Patients who underwent assisted reproduction techniques from July 25, 2005 to February 1, 2010 were included.

Results

A total of 252 patients were included. A statistically significant relationship was found between low sperm volume and low spermatozoid count. Seminal quality decreased throughout the study period. The mean age of the patients was slightly higher in those with a higher seminal volume, while men with a higher number of spermatozoids were younger. In non-urban settings, there was a higher percentage of patients with a higher mobile sperm count and number of spermatozoids. However, in urban areas, there was a greater percentage of men with normal sperm volume.

Conclusion

The data indicate that the percentage of patients with disturbances in seminal parameters has increased. This finding does not imply that seminal quality has decreased in the region, since this study was not designed to elucidate this question. However, our data do indicate that, in patients undergoing assisted reproduction techniques in this area, seminal quality parameters showed a tendency to decrease in the 5-year period. This research was performed in a specific area, and could serve as a starting point for comparisons with other regions.