Comparison of the various techniques of identifying human spermatozoa morphology.

The morphology of 100 subjects' spermatozoa was examined with 6 different methods of identification. Mean results obtained were compared with each other, analyzing variances for two criteria of classification. Analysis of statistics shows that these 6 methods make a heterogeneous group. In particular, observations carried out with phase contrast and with Testsimplets self-colouring slides showed a significantly higher number of anomalies than with other methods. Papanicolau, hematoxylin-eosin and modified Giemsa staining gave an intermediate number of anomalies, which were statistically indistinguishable from each other. Hemaquick rapid staining agents for hematology gave the lowest percentage of anomalies. Differentiated analysis of anomalous heads, necks and tails showed that the 6 methods may differ in their capacity to identify the various anomalies. Given that the percentage of observed normal forms is inversely proportional to the effectiveness of a specific method in identifying anomalies, then it is evident that the choice of method is the decisive factor when defining criteria of normality.

Post-coital test in subfertile men.

Twenty-two patients with border-line spermiograms (moderate oligoasthenozoospermia or asthenozoospermia) were studied by the post-coital test (PCT) to determinate the behaviour in vivo of semen with modest dysspermia (spermatozoa counts between 10 and 20 million/ml, with 20-40% forward motility). All the female partners were normal morphologically and functionally. The PCT were always carried out when the cervical mucus was favorable (mean score 12.2-12.3) and the endocervical pH was 7.25-7.30. The positive results for the asthenozoospermic semen samples were 6.75% and for the oligozoospermic one 10%, when the classification were based on the W.H.O. criteria. When the semen samples were classified according to Kremer's criteria positive results were found in 37.5% and 40% of the cases respectively. The effects of both cervical mucus properties and pH on the results of the PCT were found to be important. The high percentage of the favorable results emphasizes the usefulness of completing studies of border-line spermiograms with an in vivo test, since it is difficult to define normality and predict the fertility potential from semen examination alone.