7. Microscopic Examination of the Ejaculate

How is spermatozoan motility assessed during microscopic examination?

Spermatozoan motility is assessed by visually examining diluted semen (1:10-100) with physiological saline. The number of progressively motile, nonprogressively motile, and unmotile cells is counted.

What is the scoring system for assessing spermatozoan motility?

* 5 points: 90-100% progressively motile cells
* 4 points: 70-90% progressively motile cells
* 3 points: 50-70% progressively motile cells
* 2 points: 30-50% progressively motile cells
* 1 point: 30% progressively motile cells
* 0 points: spermatozoa are immotile

What types of movement are considered unphysiological during spermatozoan motility assessment?

Unphysiological types of movement include unmotile, circular, oscillatory, retrograde, and intermittent motility.

How is motility and concentration of the ejaculate observed in undiluted semen?

The swirling movement and vigour of swirls, as well as the darkness of waves, are observed in undiluted semen. The results are evaluated in three degrees: +++, ++, and +, indicating different levels of motility and concentration.

How is the concentration of sperm cells determined during microscopic examination?

The concentration of sperm cells is determined through a direct visual count under the microscope. The distance between sperm heads is assessed to determine the concentration of the ejaculate.

What are the different groups of ejaculate based on concentration?

1. Very dense ejaculate: densely filled with sperm cells, with very close distance between heads. Concentration is more than 1,500,000/mm3.


2. Dense ejaculate: densely filled with sperm cells, with a very small distance between heads (less than the length of a head). Concentration is between 1,000,000 and 1,500,000/mm3.
3. Middle dense ejaculate: distance between heads is the same as half the length of a whole sperm. Concentration is between 700,000 and 1,000,000/mm3.
4. Thin ejaculate: distance between heads is the same as the length of a whole sperm. Concentration is between 200,000 and 700,000/mm3.
5. Very thin ejaculate: only isolated sperms are present. Concentration is less than 200,000/mm3.
6. Ejaculate without sperm cells: no sperm cells are observed in the ejaculate.