Frequency distribution of sperm counts in fertile and infertile males

Fertil Steril. 1977 Dec;28(12):1310-3. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)42975-4.

Abstract

In this study the frequency distribution of sperm counts and total sperm counts from more than 4000 allegedly fertile males were compared with those of husbands in 1000 infertile couples. Significant differences were observed only at the lower end of the scale (sperm counts below 10 million/ml and total sperm counts below 25 million/ejaculate). Frequency distributions of sperm counts above 10 million/ml or total sperm counts above 25 million/ejaculate revealed little difference between the fertile and infertile groups. These data suggest that, unless other parameters are found to be abnormal, sperm counts and total sperm counts above 10 million/ml and 25 million/ejaculate, respectively, probably are not major factors in a couple's infertility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Count*
  • Fertility*
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Male / pathology*
  • Male
  • Spermatozoa / cytology
  • Spermatozoa / pathology*