Does seminal fluid viscosity influence sperm chromatin integrity?

A retrospective study was undertaken to investigate whether viscosity alter s sperm chromatin integrity. Semen samples were obtained from 269 men atten ding the infertility clinic. The viscosity was measured quantitatively by n eedle and syringe method and the viscosity ratio was calculated against dis tilled water. The chromatin integrity was evaluated by in vitro decondensat ion test using 1% SDS and 6 mM EDTA. According to the viscosity ratios the samples were divided into 2 groups: I, normal (ratio < 9, n = 239); and II, abnormal (ratio > 9, n = 30) viscosity. Chromatin integrity was significan tly lower in the group with higher viscosity. Significant decrease in sperm count and motility were seen in group II as compared to group I. Thus, hyp erviscosity of seminal fluid alters the sperm chromatin integrity.