Sperm function tests after vasovasostomy

Aim: To evaluate the sperm function after vasovasostomy. Methods: Semen sam ples from 42 subjects after vasovasostomy (Group A: 1 - 6 months, Group B: 6 - 12 months; Group C: 12 - 18 months after vasectomy reversal) were inves tigated. Semen from 34 normal fertile men was used as controls. Sperm funct ion tests, including hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST), acridine orange (AO) fluorescence, acrosome reaction (triple-stain), cervical mucus penetration test (CMPT), etc were done. Results: After vasectomy reversal, the percent age of HOST was significantly lower than that of the normal fertile men. In regard to AO, there were no significant differences between the three vaso vasostomy groups and between these 3 groups and the controls. With triple-s tain, the percentage of normal acrosome reaction was significantly lower in Group A as compared with the controls, but not in Groups B and C. There we re no significant differences in the results of CMPT between the vasovasost omy groups and the controls. However, the number of "poor" type was signifi cantly higher in Groups A and C than in the controls; the percentage of "ne gative" type were higher in Groups A and B than in the controls. Conclusion : After vasovasostomy a lower level of HOST remained for one year and gradu ally recovered after one year. Six months after vasectomy reversal, the per cent age of acrosome reaction could be changed from lower level to normal r ange. The data of AO indicated that the genetic material (double-stranded D NA) in spermatozoa was not affected by vasovasostomy. To evaluate the resul t of CMPT after vasectomy reversal, not only the normal results but also th e abnormal results ("poor" and "negative" types) should also be considered.