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#1
General Discussion / Male infertility research for ...
Last post by mensfe_admin - 2026-10-14 14:43Mensfe see this research as very important and hopefully it informs patient care.
By: Georgia A Bennett 1, Shannon P Smyth 1, David K Gardner 1 2, Elizabeth G Bromfield 1 3 4
Affiliations Expand
PMID: 42786421 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmag027
Abstract
Background: Men attending ART clinics often have poor fertility awareness and are typically overlooked for psychological support. Recent developments in understanding the link between sub-fertility, healthspan and lifespan enforce the need for comprehensive health assessments of men attending ART clinics. Evidence now suggests paternal factors including genetics, epigenetics, paternal age, oxidative stress and DNA damage contribute to embryo development and the health of the offspring. With the described decline in global sperm counts, overall male reproductive health and the increased utilisation of ART, it is imperative that research focuses on improving ART protocols for male factor infertility and investigates novel treatments for patients. Sperm contributions in ART are often overlooked, leading to optimisation of the clinical environment to focus on oocytes and embryos. Research into improving ART protocols for sperm is growing, but the clinical implementation has been slow. In parallel, current treatment options for male infertility are limited to procedures like ICSI, which bypass the underlying physiological causes of infertility. Ongoing research into sperm in clinical settings, as well as better patient psychosocial care, is therefore key to improving patient outcomes and wellbeing.
Objective and rationale: This review aims to evaluate the current standing of male reproductive health management in ART clinics with a unique focus on integrated patient care from men's fertility awareness, through to psychosocial support and targeted education. Additionally, this review aims to identify major barriers that currently prevent rapid integration of novel technologies for male infertility diagnostics and treatments into ART clinics.
Search methods: PubMed searches were performed to identify peer-reviewed articles and reviews using the following terms: 'sperm preparation/selection', 'male reproductive health', 'male infertility', 'diagnostics', 'cryopreservation', 'ART', 'fertility education', 'fertility awareness', 'artificial intelligence', and 'sperm' in combination with other key words related to the subject. No restriction was placed on date; all relevant studies up until March 2026 were evaluated and discussed. References within articles were also searched.
Outcomes: In an ART setting, men rarely receive routine healthcare follow-up after providing a sample for assisted reproduction. Through integration of several underrepresented aspects of male health care, this review concludes that male reproductive health should be managed more collaboratively by medical specialists, including general practitioners, urologists, endocrinologists and andrologists, to understand the underlying cause of male infertility and determine an appropriate treatment. Moreover, this review finds that the integration of mental health professionals into the ART clinic environment is urgently needed to ensure appropriate counselling and care for people during and following fertility treatment. Finally, we determined that a lack of direct collaboration between researchers and clinical practitioners may be partly responsible for the slow uptake of novel technologies into the ART clinic.
Wider implications: Further research needs to be undertaken to improve public health messaging and education for men about their fertility. An overarching theme identified by this review is the need for targeted collaboration between research scientists and clinicians to improve men's reproductive care, in turn, culminating in faster clinical adoption of beneficial techniques and products to improve patient outcomes. This review highlights an urgent need for more integrated models of fertility care that extend from men's fertility awareness and education, through to improvements of 'in clinic' appraisal of the underlying causes of male infertility, and finally, better inclusion of men's psychosocial support into reproductive care.
Keywords: in vitro fertilization; andrology; artificial intelligence; assisted reproduction; fertility education; male infertility; microfluidics; spermatozoa.
© The Author(s) 2026. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.
By: Georgia A Bennett 1, Shannon P Smyth 1, David K Gardner 1 2, Elizabeth G Bromfield 1 3 4
Affiliations Expand
PMID: 42786421 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmag027
Abstract
Background: Men attending ART clinics often have poor fertility awareness and are typically overlooked for psychological support. Recent developments in understanding the link between sub-fertility, healthspan and lifespan enforce the need for comprehensive health assessments of men attending ART clinics. Evidence now suggests paternal factors including genetics, epigenetics, paternal age, oxidative stress and DNA damage contribute to embryo development and the health of the offspring. With the described decline in global sperm counts, overall male reproductive health and the increased utilisation of ART, it is imperative that research focuses on improving ART protocols for male factor infertility and investigates novel treatments for patients. Sperm contributions in ART are often overlooked, leading to optimisation of the clinical environment to focus on oocytes and embryos. Research into improving ART protocols for sperm is growing, but the clinical implementation has been slow. In parallel, current treatment options for male infertility are limited to procedures like ICSI, which bypass the underlying physiological causes of infertility. Ongoing research into sperm in clinical settings, as well as better patient psychosocial care, is therefore key to improving patient outcomes and wellbeing.
Objective and rationale: This review aims to evaluate the current standing of male reproductive health management in ART clinics with a unique focus on integrated patient care from men's fertility awareness, through to psychosocial support and targeted education. Additionally, this review aims to identify major barriers that currently prevent rapid integration of novel technologies for male infertility diagnostics and treatments into ART clinics.
Search methods: PubMed searches were performed to identify peer-reviewed articles and reviews using the following terms: 'sperm preparation/selection', 'male reproductive health', 'male infertility', 'diagnostics', 'cryopreservation', 'ART', 'fertility education', 'fertility awareness', 'artificial intelligence', and 'sperm' in combination with other key words related to the subject. No restriction was placed on date; all relevant studies up until March 2026 were evaluated and discussed. References within articles were also searched.
Outcomes: In an ART setting, men rarely receive routine healthcare follow-up after providing a sample for assisted reproduction. Through integration of several underrepresented aspects of male health care, this review concludes that male reproductive health should be managed more collaboratively by medical specialists, including general practitioners, urologists, endocrinologists and andrologists, to understand the underlying cause of male infertility and determine an appropriate treatment. Moreover, this review finds that the integration of mental health professionals into the ART clinic environment is urgently needed to ensure appropriate counselling and care for people during and following fertility treatment. Finally, we determined that a lack of direct collaboration between researchers and clinical practitioners may be partly responsible for the slow uptake of novel technologies into the ART clinic.
Wider implications: Further research needs to be undertaken to improve public health messaging and education for men about their fertility. An overarching theme identified by this review is the need for targeted collaboration between research scientists and clinicians to improve men's reproductive care, in turn, culminating in faster clinical adoption of beneficial techniques and products to improve patient outcomes. This review highlights an urgent need for more integrated models of fertility care that extend from men's fertility awareness and education, through to improvements of 'in clinic' appraisal of the underlying causes of male infertility, and finally, better inclusion of men's psychosocial support into reproductive care.
Keywords: in vitro fertilization; andrology; artificial intelligence; assisted reproduction; fertility education; male infertility; microfluidics; spermatozoa.
© The Author(s) 2026. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.
#2
General Discussion / Hi Mensfe readers - email us (...
Last post by mensfe_admin - 2026-10-08 13:14We Welcome Your Views
A Journey Through Male Infertility: Stronger Together was written to encourage greater understanding, openness and support for men and couples experiencing male infertility.
We warmly welcome comments, personal reflections and reviews from readers, patients, partners and fertility professionals. Your contribution may help broaden the conversation and ensure that men's experiences continue to be heard.
If you would like to comment on the book or respond to any of the reviews, please contact us at:
info@mensfe.net
Thank you for helping us continue this important conversation.
A Journey Through Male Infertility: Stronger Together was written to encourage greater understanding, openness and support for men and couples experiencing male infertility.
We warmly welcome comments, personal reflections and reviews from readers, patients, partners and fertility professionals. Your contribution may help broaden the conversation and ensure that men's experiences continue to be heard.
If you would like to comment on the book or respond to any of the reviews, please contact us at:
info@mensfe.net
Thank you for helping us continue this important conversation.
#3
General Discussion / Re: A Journey Through Male Inf...
Last post by mensfe_admin - 2026-10-06 11:29We Welcome Your Views
A Journey Through Male Infertility: Stronger Together was written to encourage greater understanding, openness and support for men and couples experiencing male infertility.
We warmly welcome comments, personal reflections and reviews from readers, patients, partners and fertility professionals. Your contribution may help broaden the conversation and ensure that men's experiences continue to be heard.
If you would like to comment on the book or respond to any of the reviews, please contact us at:
info@mensfe.net
Thank you for helping us continue this important conversation.
A Journey Through Male Infertility: Stronger Together was written to encourage greater understanding, openness and support for men and couples experiencing male infertility.
We warmly welcome comments, personal reflections and reviews from readers, patients, partners and fertility professionals. Your contribution may help broaden the conversation and ensure that men's experiences continue to be heard.
If you would like to comment on the book or respond to any of the reviews, please contact us at:
info@mensfe.net
Thank you for helping us continue this important conversation.
#4
General Discussion / Re: A Journey Through Male Inf...
Last post by mensfe_admin - 2026-10-06 08:14Reviews
Book Review: A Journey Through Male Infertility – Stronger together
by Anthony Ryb
A Journey Through Male Infertility: Stronger Together
By Pip Reilly
ASIN: B0G8LX5FBJ, ISBN-13: 979-8275862652
Buy this book from Amazon UK
________________________________________
According to the bio on the back cover of his book, Pip Reilly has worked in mental health and counselling for over 30 years, with a specific focus on fertility and in particular the challenges for men. As such, I was excited to read this book and keen to learn from his experience in this area.
Along with the book, I received a flyer which explains that the objective of Reilly's book is to be an accessible guide, shedding light on the relational, emotional and physical challenges men often face, which are often unspoken. The book claims to be full of practical support strategies to provide clarity and understanding and hopes to empower couples and remind them that 'they are stronger together'.
So, the question is, did it live up to the expectation of its expanded title: 'A Journey Through Male Infertility, Stronger Together, A Book for Men that Women Should Read'
I should add that since the front cover suggests that it is 'a book for men that women should read', I did share the book with a 'woman' I know who experienced fertility treatment with her male partner and valued her opinion. I also took the opportunity to show it confidentially to others in my counselling circle merely to get a wider response to the look, feel and layout rather than the content.
What was okay
It is short. The book itself was short, the chapters were short and it was easy to read and understand. That said there were many times when it seemed there wasn't enough information and I was left feeling a bit short changed.
It is a book about male infertility. This is important, as a book supporting men is fairly unique so immediately has its place and hopefully will be read, valued and helpful (ideally once it's been better edited and updated).
The chapters and flow are in good order, taking the reader through the fertility journey from diagnosis, emotional impacts, fertility tests, treatment pathways, coping strategies and support networks. It does at times come across as overly simplistic though.
You can read it in order, chapter by chapter or hop to any part you want.
There are some science bits for those interested in learning and understanding a bit more around the technical side of certain diagnoses, fertility, eggs, sperm and fertilisation.
My female reviewer enjoyed the chapter comparing how men's and women's brains are wired differently and suggested that knowing this it could help heterosexual couples be more understanding of how they manage the same experience in different ways.
There are some 'self-help' suggestions and a variety of methods to develop and increase resilience and manage stress.
A glossary of terms at the back was useful.
What fell short
The book is self-published and while it has taken effort, the lack of editorial input is very apparent.
The front cover along with all the illustrations inside the book would benefit from a review and new approach. Everyone independently felt the book was from the 1960s or 1970s rather than anything modern day.
Throughout the book there is no diversity represented which is not a reflection of any clinic or practice I or my colleagues have experienced. The book seems very focused on white heterosexual couples, which I found incredibly disappointing and concerning.
The first three sections of the book are extremely frustrating (Contents, Preface and Introduction) because they are all saying the same thing – explaining the content of the book and what each chapter will deliver. The initial chapters continue this theme too, commenting and reflecting on what had already been written and reminding us that we'd already read it previously. The irony is, that even after such annoying repetition there is still a glaring mistake, consistently advising that Chapter 13 is about the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) when in fact this is Chapter 14.
Each chapter shows an image (a man holding his head in his hands or a couple looking very sad or holding hands/hugging each other) and underneath are 'quotes and affirmations'. While I can see why the author has placed them, these really weren't required and I couldn't help but feel I was being led down the yellow brick road to a 'they lived happily ever after' conclusion, which I found somewhat infantilising.
Sadly, important elements have been missed. In my practice I hear from many men who are considering a testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or micro-TESE and neither of these procedures was mentioned in the book, which I felt was a huge omission. There is a chapter offering men's support groups, though for some reason the two prominent men's groups available right now have been omitted (testhim and The Male Fertility Hub).
Also, I was concerned by the section stating that anyone considering the use of donor gametes through HFEA licensed clinics are offered mandatory implications counselling. This is not wholly accurate. While the 'offer' of counselling is mandatory, taking it up is not required unless in very specific circumstances. Once again, a good editor with knowledge of the fertility sector would address this.
Finally, while I understand why the book on many occasions suggests men seek support and guidance from their GP, medical doctor or fertility clinic I feel he spends too much time promoting their support and misses a golden opportunity to really support the agency of men and their partners by elaborating much more about the benefits, guidance and advice from urologists and andrologists as these are the experts in male fertility and we know men can often feel let down by others who are not as specifically trained (see BioNews 1354 and 1344).
It might also be my own counselling background, but I am incredibly aware that everyone who sits in front of me has their own past and this informs how they react, respond and manage all news, adversity and life challenges presented. I appreciate it's difficult for a self-help book to address this, but it can comment on it.
Conclusion
It is clear that Reilly is experienced and has been dedicated to supporting people through fertility diagnosis and treatment and this feels very much like a legacy piece for him to put out there. I feel if this is a book that's going to be heavily promoted and wants to be well read, it needs to be of the highest quality and while there might currently be some merit to the book and its content, on balance there currently appear to be too many deficits, absences and editorial updates required to fully endorse it at this time.
________________________________________
Buy A Journey Through Male Infertility: Stronger Together from Amazon UK
Book Review: A Journey Through Male Infertility – Stronger together
by Anthony Ryb
A Journey Through Male Infertility: Stronger Together
By Pip Reilly
ASIN: B0G8LX5FBJ, ISBN-13: 979-8275862652
Buy this book from Amazon UK
________________________________________
According to the bio on the back cover of his book, Pip Reilly has worked in mental health and counselling for over 30 years, with a specific focus on fertility and in particular the challenges for men. As such, I was excited to read this book and keen to learn from his experience in this area.
Along with the book, I received a flyer which explains that the objective of Reilly's book is to be an accessible guide, shedding light on the relational, emotional and physical challenges men often face, which are often unspoken. The book claims to be full of practical support strategies to provide clarity and understanding and hopes to empower couples and remind them that 'they are stronger together'.
So, the question is, did it live up to the expectation of its expanded title: 'A Journey Through Male Infertility, Stronger Together, A Book for Men that Women Should Read'
I should add that since the front cover suggests that it is 'a book for men that women should read', I did share the book with a 'woman' I know who experienced fertility treatment with her male partner and valued her opinion. I also took the opportunity to show it confidentially to others in my counselling circle merely to get a wider response to the look, feel and layout rather than the content.
What was okay
It is short. The book itself was short, the chapters were short and it was easy to read and understand. That said there were many times when it seemed there wasn't enough information and I was left feeling a bit short changed.
It is a book about male infertility. This is important, as a book supporting men is fairly unique so immediately has its place and hopefully will be read, valued and helpful (ideally once it's been better edited and updated).
The chapters and flow are in good order, taking the reader through the fertility journey from diagnosis, emotional impacts, fertility tests, treatment pathways, coping strategies and support networks. It does at times come across as overly simplistic though.
You can read it in order, chapter by chapter or hop to any part you want.
There are some science bits for those interested in learning and understanding a bit more around the technical side of certain diagnoses, fertility, eggs, sperm and fertilisation.
My female reviewer enjoyed the chapter comparing how men's and women's brains are wired differently and suggested that knowing this it could help heterosexual couples be more understanding of how they manage the same experience in different ways.
There are some 'self-help' suggestions and a variety of methods to develop and increase resilience and manage stress.
A glossary of terms at the back was useful.
What fell short
The book is self-published and while it has taken effort, the lack of editorial input is very apparent.
The front cover along with all the illustrations inside the book would benefit from a review and new approach. Everyone independently felt the book was from the 1960s or 1970s rather than anything modern day.
Throughout the book there is no diversity represented which is not a reflection of any clinic or practice I or my colleagues have experienced. The book seems very focused on white heterosexual couples, which I found incredibly disappointing and concerning.
The first three sections of the book are extremely frustrating (Contents, Preface and Introduction) because they are all saying the same thing – explaining the content of the book and what each chapter will deliver. The initial chapters continue this theme too, commenting and reflecting on what had already been written and reminding us that we'd already read it previously. The irony is, that even after such annoying repetition there is still a glaring mistake, consistently advising that Chapter 13 is about the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) when in fact this is Chapter 14.
Each chapter shows an image (a man holding his head in his hands or a couple looking very sad or holding hands/hugging each other) and underneath are 'quotes and affirmations'. While I can see why the author has placed them, these really weren't required and I couldn't help but feel I was being led down the yellow brick road to a 'they lived happily ever after' conclusion, which I found somewhat infantilising.
Sadly, important elements have been missed. In my practice I hear from many men who are considering a testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or micro-TESE and neither of these procedures was mentioned in the book, which I felt was a huge omission. There is a chapter offering men's support groups, though for some reason the two prominent men's groups available right now have been omitted (testhim and The Male Fertility Hub).
Also, I was concerned by the section stating that anyone considering the use of donor gametes through HFEA licensed clinics are offered mandatory implications counselling. This is not wholly accurate. While the 'offer' of counselling is mandatory, taking it up is not required unless in very specific circumstances. Once again, a good editor with knowledge of the fertility sector would address this.
Finally, while I understand why the book on many occasions suggests men seek support and guidance from their GP, medical doctor or fertility clinic I feel he spends too much time promoting their support and misses a golden opportunity to really support the agency of men and their partners by elaborating much more about the benefits, guidance and advice from urologists and andrologists as these are the experts in male fertility and we know men can often feel let down by others who are not as specifically trained (see BioNews 1354 and 1344).
It might also be my own counselling background, but I am incredibly aware that everyone who sits in front of me has their own past and this informs how they react, respond and manage all news, adversity and life challenges presented. I appreciate it's difficult for a self-help book to address this, but it can comment on it.
Conclusion
It is clear that Reilly is experienced and has been dedicated to supporting people through fertility diagnosis and treatment and this feels very much like a legacy piece for him to put out there. I feel if this is a book that's going to be heavily promoted and wants to be well read, it needs to be of the highest quality and while there might currently be some merit to the book and its content, on balance there currently appear to be too many deficits, absences and editorial updates required to fully endorse it at this time.
________________________________________
Buy A Journey Through Male Infertility: Stronger Together from Amazon UK
#5
General Discussion / More than 1200 genetic variant...
Last post by mensfe_admin - 2026-09-08 08:41Posted Sep 8, 2026
Published 7 September 2026 posted in News and appears in BioNews 1355
Author
Dr Mireia Carcolé Estrada
Over 1200 genetic variants associated with differences in personality have been identified, in the largest study of its kind.
The study combined genetic and questionnaire data from over one million people across 46 studies and 13 countries to identify variants linked to the so-called Big Five personality traits: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to experience. The research team analysed roughly ten million genetic variants for each trait and identified 1260 associated with personality, 824 of them previously unknown. The genetic findings were used to calculate polygenic indices – single 'scores' bringing together the estimated effects of many genetic variants on their related Big Five trait. Further work then explored how these indices were associated with a range of life outcomes in other groups.
Professor Elliot Tucker-Drob, a co-lead author of the study from the University of Texas, Austin, said: 'I view the 1260 variants as kind of a testament to the fact that we've now got the power to answer all of these other questions that we couldn't answer before.'
The findings, published in Nature, suggest that personality is highly polygenic – it is shaped by thousands of genetic differences, each contributing only a small amount. Together, the variants explain only around five to 13 percent of variation in personality, depending on the measure used. However, these genetic associations remained stable across countries, age groups and different methods of measuring personality. In addition, work comparing more than 51,000 relatives indicated that the associations found between genetic variants and personality traits had little to do with the influence of a shared family environment.
The team also explored how the genetic variants they identified were linked to health, education, behaviour and other life outcomes. For example, their work suggests that genetic influences associated with extraversion are linked to a higher risk of COVID-19 infection, while genetic influences associated with conscientiousness were linked to lower body mass index and lower likelihood of starting smoking. However, the authors stress that these sorts of effects need further research.
'These genetic influences do not determine who we become,' said Professor Michel Nivard from the University of Bristol, a co-lead author of the study. 'Personality develops through the concurrent influences of genetics, family and social environments, life experiences and our own choices,' he added.
Published 7 September 2026 posted in News and appears in BioNews 1355
Author
Dr Mireia Carcolé Estrada
Over 1200 genetic variants associated with differences in personality have been identified, in the largest study of its kind.
The study combined genetic and questionnaire data from over one million people across 46 studies and 13 countries to identify variants linked to the so-called Big Five personality traits: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to experience. The research team analysed roughly ten million genetic variants for each trait and identified 1260 associated with personality, 824 of them previously unknown. The genetic findings were used to calculate polygenic indices – single 'scores' bringing together the estimated effects of many genetic variants on their related Big Five trait. Further work then explored how these indices were associated with a range of life outcomes in other groups.
Professor Elliot Tucker-Drob, a co-lead author of the study from the University of Texas, Austin, said: 'I view the 1260 variants as kind of a testament to the fact that we've now got the power to answer all of these other questions that we couldn't answer before.'
The findings, published in Nature, suggest that personality is highly polygenic – it is shaped by thousands of genetic differences, each contributing only a small amount. Together, the variants explain only around five to 13 percent of variation in personality, depending on the measure used. However, these genetic associations remained stable across countries, age groups and different methods of measuring personality. In addition, work comparing more than 51,000 relatives indicated that the associations found between genetic variants and personality traits had little to do with the influence of a shared family environment.
The team also explored how the genetic variants they identified were linked to health, education, behaviour and other life outcomes. For example, their work suggests that genetic influences associated with extraversion are linked to a higher risk of COVID-19 infection, while genetic influences associated with conscientiousness were linked to lower body mass index and lower likelihood of starting smoking. However, the authors stress that these sorts of effects need further research.
'These genetic influences do not determine who we become,' said Professor Michel Nivard from the University of Bristol, a co-lead author of the study. 'Personality develops through the concurrent influences of genetics, family and social environments, life experiences and our own choices,' he added.
#6
General Discussion / Comparison of semen parameters...
Last post by mensfe_admin - 2026-09-07 12:21Saad Elzanaty 1, Johan Malm
Abstract
Objective: To investigate differences in semen quality between samples collected by masturbation at a clinic and at home.
Design: Cross-sectional study.
Setting: Fertility center.
Patient(s): Three hundred seventy-nine men assessed for infertility.
Intervention(s): None.
Main outcome measure(s): Semen was analyzed according to World Health Organization guidelines. Seminal markers of epididymal (neutral alpha-glucosidase), prostatic (prostate-specific antigen and zinc), and seminal vesicle (fructose) function were measured. Two patient groups were defined according to sample collection location: at a clinic (n = 273) or at home (n = 106).
Result(s): Compared with clinic-collected semen, home-collected samples had statistically significantly higher values for sperm concentration, total sperm count, rapid progressive motility, and total count of progressive motility. Semen volume, proportion of normal sperm morphology, neutral alpha-glucosidase, prostate-specific antigen, zinc, and fructose did not differ significantly between groups. An abnormal sperm concentration (<20 x 10(6)/mL) was seen in statistically significantly fewer of the samples obtained at home (19/106, 18%) than at the clinic (81/273, 30%), and the same applied to proportions of samples with abnormal (< 25%) rapid progressive motility (68/106 [64%] and 205/273 [75%], respectively).
Conclusion(s): The present results demonstrate superior semen quality in samples collected by masturbation at home compared with at a clinic. This should be taken into consideration in infertility investigations.
Abstract
Objective: To investigate differences in semen quality between samples collected by masturbation at a clinic and at home.
Design: Cross-sectional study.
Setting: Fertility center.
Patient(s): Three hundred seventy-nine men assessed for infertility.
Intervention(s): None.
Main outcome measure(s): Semen was analyzed according to World Health Organization guidelines. Seminal markers of epididymal (neutral alpha-glucosidase), prostatic (prostate-specific antigen and zinc), and seminal vesicle (fructose) function were measured. Two patient groups were defined according to sample collection location: at a clinic (n = 273) or at home (n = 106).
Result(s): Compared with clinic-collected semen, home-collected samples had statistically significantly higher values for sperm concentration, total sperm count, rapid progressive motility, and total count of progressive motility. Semen volume, proportion of normal sperm morphology, neutral alpha-glucosidase, prostate-specific antigen, zinc, and fructose did not differ significantly between groups. An abnormal sperm concentration (<20 x 10(6)/mL) was seen in statistically significantly fewer of the samples obtained at home (19/106, 18%) than at the clinic (81/273, 30%), and the same applied to proportions of samples with abnormal (< 25%) rapid progressive motility (68/106 [64%] and 205/273 [75%], respectively).
Conclusion(s): The present results demonstrate superior semen quality in samples collected by masturbation at home compared with at a clinic. This should be taken into consideration in infertility investigations.
#7
General Discussion / Relationship between the durat...
Last post by mensfe_admin - 2026-09-07 12:19Analysis of 9,489 semen samples
Eliahu Levitas 1, Eitan Lunenfeld, Noemi Weiss, Michael Friger, Iris Har-Vardi, Arie Koifman, Gad Potashnik
Objective: To evaluate the relationship between duration of sexual abstinence and various characteristics of normal and subnormal semen.
Design: A retrospective study based on computerized data.
Setting: Fertility and IVF unit at a university medical center.
Patient(s): Nine thousand, four hundred eighty-nine semen samples from 6,008 patients were analyzed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) manual and grouped according to sperm concentration (10(6)/mL) into severe (0.2-4 x 10(6)), moderate (>4-10 x 10(6)), and mild (>10-19.99 x 10(6)) oligozoospermia, and normozoospermia (> or =20-250 x 10(6)) groups.
Main outcome measure(s): In each group mean values of semen volume, sperm concentration, percentage of motile sperm and of normal morphology (according to WHO or Kruger criteria), total sperm count, and total motile sperm count per ejaculate were related to duration of abstinence.
Result(s): Among the 3,506 oligozoospermic samples, the peak mean sperm motility of 30.3% was observed after 1 day of abstinence. Similarly, the mean percentage of normal morphology among mild-moderate oligozoospermic samples (n = 2,260) reached peak values of 7.4%-8.6% between 0-2 days of abstinence. The 5,983 normozoospermic samples showed a significant decrease in the percentage of sperm motility and normal morphology to mean values of 33.1% and 7.0%, respectively, on days 11-14 of sexual abstinence.
Conclusion(s): Our data challenge the role of abstinence in male infertility treatments and suggest that to present the best possible semen samples, patients with male factor infertility should collect the semen after just 1 day of sexual abstinence. Patients presenting normal sperm analysis or sperm donors for cryopreservation purposes should be advised not to exceed 10 days of sexual abstinence.
Eliahu Levitas 1, Eitan Lunenfeld, Noemi Weiss, Michael Friger, Iris Har-Vardi, Arie Koifman, Gad Potashnik
Objective: To evaluate the relationship between duration of sexual abstinence and various characteristics of normal and subnormal semen.
Design: A retrospective study based on computerized data.
Setting: Fertility and IVF unit at a university medical center.
Patient(s): Nine thousand, four hundred eighty-nine semen samples from 6,008 patients were analyzed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) manual and grouped according to sperm concentration (10(6)/mL) into severe (0.2-4 x 10(6)), moderate (>4-10 x 10(6)), and mild (>10-19.99 x 10(6)) oligozoospermia, and normozoospermia (> or =20-250 x 10(6)) groups.
Main outcome measure(s): In each group mean values of semen volume, sperm concentration, percentage of motile sperm and of normal morphology (according to WHO or Kruger criteria), total sperm count, and total motile sperm count per ejaculate were related to duration of abstinence.
Result(s): Among the 3,506 oligozoospermic samples, the peak mean sperm motility of 30.3% was observed after 1 day of abstinence. Similarly, the mean percentage of normal morphology among mild-moderate oligozoospermic samples (n = 2,260) reached peak values of 7.4%-8.6% between 0-2 days of abstinence. The 5,983 normozoospermic samples showed a significant decrease in the percentage of sperm motility and normal morphology to mean values of 33.1% and 7.0%, respectively, on days 11-14 of sexual abstinence.
Conclusion(s): Our data challenge the role of abstinence in male infertility treatments and suggest that to present the best possible semen samples, patients with male factor infertility should collect the semen after just 1 day of sexual abstinence. Patients presenting normal sperm analysis or sperm donors for cryopreservation purposes should be advised not to exceed 10 days of sexual abstinence.
#8
General Discussion / Air pollution may impact male ...
Last post by mensfe_admin - 2026-07-16 11:44Air pollution is associated with epigenetic changes in sperm DNA, according to research presented at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) in London.
US researchers found that sperm that developed during periods of higher air pollution were more likely to carry methylation changes on parts of their DNA. These changes do not affect the DNA sequence itself, but can impact how genes are turned on or off.
'Our findings suggest that air pollution exposure during key stages of sperm development may be associated with changes in sperm DNA methylation, including in genes involved in spermatogenesis and early developmental processes,' said lead author Dr Carrie Nobles from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who presented the research.
The researchers studied methylation in semen samples from over 1220 men in Salt Lake City, Utah, between 2013-2017. They were able to compare the findings with estimates of air pollution from the three-month period before the sample was collected, when the sperm were developing. Among genes affected by methylation changes was GNAS, which is known to be associated with sperm quality and is also imprinted. Imprinting means that the gene carries specific epigenetic marks denoting whether a particular copy came from the egg or sperm.
'The association with changes in the imprinted gene GNAS was particularly important. Because imprinted genes can persist through early embryonic development, this raises important questions about whether fathers' environmental exposures may influence not only fertility, but pregnancy and offspring health,' said Dr Nobles.
The study looked at levels of four specific pollutants: ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and fine particulate matter, concluding that ozone and nitrogen dioxide levels appeared to have stronger associations with methylation changes.
Professor Karen Sermon, a recent chair of ESHRE, said: 'This is another piece of the puzzle... We know that couples exposed to air pollution often have difficulties becoming pregnant, and this may be one of the explanations amongst the myriad ways that pollution impacts our reproductive health.'
'There has been growing evidence in recent years that aspects of human health can be impacted by air pollution, and this includes male infertility. However, we have not really understood much about the likely mechanism by which this occurs,' said andrologist Professor Allan Pacey, from the University of Manchester, who was not involved in the research.
He told BioNews he welcomes this research but added that: 'At present, it is not possible to conclude whether the observed changes to sperm DNA methylation are clinically meaningful for male infertility and further work will need to be done to confirm or refute that.'
Dr Nobles agreed: 'We also need to understand whether air pollution-associated changes in sperm DNA methylation have measurable downstream impacts on men's fertility and couples' pregnancy health.'
#9
General Discussion / IVF success rates increase whi...
Last post by mensfe_admin - 2026-07-16 11:33Improvements in IVF protocols have improved birth rates, while reducing the number of multiple pregnancies, according to research presented at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) in London.
Twin and higher-order multiple pregnancies are known to pose escalating health risks for both mothers and babies. Researchers in Australia have examined the impact of improvements in IVF techniques to evaluate whether transferring multiple embryos remains a legitimate option to increase IVF success.
'For many years, transferring two embryos increased the chance of pregnancy from any one transfer, but often came with twin pregnancy rates approaching 30 percent,' said Dr Dean Morbeck from Genea Fertility in Sydney, who presented the research. 'What our data show is that this trade-off has largely disappeared.'
The researchers looked at data from nearly 18,400 women who began IVF treatment at seven Australian fertility clinics between 2012 and 2023. Women using donor eggs or previously frozen eggs/embryos were excluded, as were those who needed PGT-M or PGT-SR. They were followed up until a live birth or until the end of three full cycles if no birth occurred.
The cumulative birth rate across three cycles was over 68 percent, with 95.3 percent single-embryo transfers and a multiple-birth rate below three percent. This compares with cumulative birth rates of 53-59 percent in earlier studies, in which multiple births exceeded 20 percent.
Dr Morbeck attributes this improvement to modern IVF laboratory techniques: 'Blastocyst culture ... became much more effective with vitrification, which dramatically improved embryo survival after freezing and warming, making frozen embryo transfer outcomes comparable to fresh transfers,' he said. 'Together, these advances enabled approaches such as freeze-all treatment, where embryos are transferred one at a time later, rather than during the initial stimulation cycle.'
The researchers also looked at the data broken down over time. Over the course of the study, the proportion of single embryo transfers increased from 92.8 percent to 97.3 percent, and multiple births fell from 3.2 percent to 2.7 percent.
Across the same time period, the proportion of fertilised eggs that developed into transferable blastocysts increased, which the authors attribute to the introduction of new embryo culture technologies.
'Improvements in IVF are typically driven by steady, incremental advances rather than dramatic breakthroughs,' said Professor Borut Kovacic, chair-elect of ESHRE. 'This study demonstrates that optimising laboratory practices, adhering to evidence-based guidelines and adopting a relatively conservative treatment approach can progressively increase cumulative live birth rates while reducing multiple births – two outcomes that matter most to patients seeking a safe and cost-effective route to parenthood within a single stimulation cycle.'
#10
General Discussion / Re: A Journey Through Male Inf...
Last post by mensfe_admin - 2026-06-02 10:58One of the central themes of A Journey Through Male Infertility is that men and women often process loss, trauma, and emotional pain in very different ways. While the book is written through the lens of infertility, its message about communication, understanding, and navigating adversity together resonates far beyond fertility challenges alone.
The post below comes from a reader who has not experienced infertility but was struck by the parallels between the experiences described in the book and the profound loss he and his wife endured following the death of their son. His insights highlight how differing responses to grief can create distance and misunderstanding, yet also how patience, support, and open communication can help couples find their way back to one another.
The following post reinforces a key message of A Journey Through Male Infertility: when couples seek to understand—not judge—each other's way of coping, they are better able to face life's greatest challenges StrongerTtogether.
His post is as follows: "I have been trying to make time to read this, and making slow progress. It is a fascinating read and what strikes me more than anything is the simlarities in the relationship between my wife and me when our son killed himself. Of course it was unbearable for both both of us but this was manifested different ways. I had to be "strong" and rational about how this effected us both, while she was overtly emotional and blamed me a great deal. So my efforts to be strong merely made her more accusative. It took 2 to 3 years for us to reach an even keel. Our two daughters were even more distraught at first, but after a while they calmed down and their support helped us all to come together again. I shall continue with the book it's rather wordy, but it is enlightening".
The post below comes from a reader who has not experienced infertility but was struck by the parallels between the experiences described in the book and the profound loss he and his wife endured following the death of their son. His insights highlight how differing responses to grief can create distance and misunderstanding, yet also how patience, support, and open communication can help couples find their way back to one another.
The following post reinforces a key message of A Journey Through Male Infertility: when couples seek to understand—not judge—each other's way of coping, they are better able to face life's greatest challenges StrongerTtogether.
His post is as follows: "I have been trying to make time to read this, and making slow progress. It is a fascinating read and what strikes me more than anything is the simlarities in the relationship between my wife and me when our son killed himself. Of course it was unbearable for both both of us but this was manifested different ways. I had to be "strong" and rational about how this effected us both, while she was overtly emotional and blamed me a great deal. So my efforts to be strong merely made her more accusative. It took 2 to 3 years for us to reach an even keel. Our two daughters were even more distraught at first, but after a while they calmed down and their support helped us all to come together again. I shall continue with the book it's rather wordy, but it is enlightening".