P.B. Marshburn

Influence of ejaculatory abstinence on seminal total antioxidant capacity and sperm membrane lipid peroxidation

OBJECTIVEnTo determine whether the period of ejaculatory abstinence (EA) influences the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of semen or lipid peroxidation (LPO) of sperm membranes.nnnDESIGNnA prospective experimental trial.nnnSETTINGnAcademic medical center for reproductive endocrinology and infertility.nnnPATIENT(S)nForty men from infertile couples planning intrauterine insemination.nnnINTERVENTION(S)nMen provided semen specimens after EA periods of 1 and 4xa0days.nnnMAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)nSemen analysis, peroxidase staining, and assays for seminal TAC and sperm membrane LPO, with measures compared between days 1 and 4 within individuals (internal control) using paired t tests.nnnRESULT(S)nThe shorter period of EA (1xa0day vs. 4xa0days) resulted in statistically significant decreases in semen volume (-24%), sperm density (-28%), and total sperm count (-3.2%). There was a statistically significant increase in TAC with the shorter period of EA (1xa0day) compared with 4xa0days of EA. No difference was detected in sperm membrane LPO comparing 1xa0day of EA and 4xa0days of EA.nnnCONCLUSION(S)nHigher seminal TAC obtained after a shorter period of EA could diminish oxidative stress-induced sperm damage by axa0mechanism independent of LPO. Shorter periods of EA may thus improve sperm quality by protecting from reactive oxygen species damage, even though lower numbers of motile sperm are produced after a shorter period of EA. This would be consistent with prior research indicating improved results after intrauterine insemination under these circumstances.

Counseling and Diagnostic Evaluation for the Infertile Couple

Educating couples about natural means to improve fertility should include a discussion about appropriate timing to initiate a diagnostic evaluation for infertility. Complete infertility testing for both male and female factors allows directed care for all abnormalities to optimize chances for conception.