Computer-assisted semen analysis parameters as predictors for fertility ofmen from the general population

The predictive value of sperm motility parameters obtained by computer-assi sted semen analysis (CASA) was evaluated for the fertility of men from gene ral population. In a prospective study with couples stopping use of contrac eption in order to try to conceive, CASA was performed on semen samples fro m 358 men. A recently developed CASA system, Copenhagen Rigshospitalet Imag e house sperm Motility Analysis System (CRISMAS) was used for assessment of motility parameters. This system has an editing function which allows corr ection of tracks made by the computer. Probably due to this function, the c oncentration assessment made by CRISMAS was very close to that made by the technician (median difference <5%) in all concentration ranges, Correlation between CASA parameters and fertility of normal couples (measured as proba bility of achieving pregancy) was examined by the Cox regression model. In univariate models In(sperm concentration) [beta = 0.331, risk ratio (RR) = 1.392, P = 0.0001], In(total sperm count) (beta = 0.252, RR = 1.286, P = 0. 0007) and percentage motile spermatozoa (beta = 0.014, RR = 1.014, P = 0.00 01) were most significant predictors for fertility. In a multivariate analy sis In(sperm concentration) (beta = 0.268, RR = 1.307, P = 0.0016) and perc entage motile spermatozoa (beta = 0.010, RR = 1.010, P = 0.011) but even mo re significantly the combined parameter, In(concentration of motile spermat ozoa) (beta = 0.329, RR = 1.389, P = 0.0001), were the only parameters of p redictive value for fertility of men in the general population. In conclusi on, these parameters obtained by CASA measurements can be used for predicti on of fertility potential in normal men. This appears to be the first study shelving the value of CASA in prediction of fertility in the general male population.