Seminal quality in the first fraction of ejaculate

Abstract

Semen samples from 40 patients were collected in consecutive fractions. The variability in semen quality of each fraction was then determined. The first ejaculated fraction (FEF) primarily contained prostatic secretions, while the second ejaculate fraction (SEF) held the majority of the spermatozoa suspended in the secretions from the seminal vesicle. Differences in sperm quality were observed when the FEF was compared to the SEF and the total ejaculate fraction (TEF). These included the seminal parameters (volume, sperm concentration, motility) and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). When compared to TEF and SEF, the FEF presented a lower volume, higher sperm concentration, higher motility rates, and lower SDF. The data suggest that the first fraction renders an improved subpopulation of spermatozoa, with lower SDF. Spermatozoa from this fraction and hence their use for ART may have a positive effect on fertilization and embryo development.

• Ejaculate
• fraction
• improvement
• seminal parameters
• sperm DNA fragmentation

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Mrs. Stephanie Blake for her help in translating the manuscript, and all of the staff of Ginemed Clinics for their help in conducting the study.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Authors contributions

Conceived and designed the experiments, and took part in the writing of the manuscript: MH; Performed the statistical analysis of the data and took part in the writing of the manuscript: MD; Performed the experiments and took part in the writing of the manuscript: MGal; Performed the experiments: MGon; Conceived and designed the experiments, and revised the manuscript before submission: PS-M.