einstein (São Paulo). 03/Jul/2013;11(2):263-4.

New World Health Organization reference values for semen analysis: where do we stand?

Marcelo

DOI: 10.1590/S1679-45082013000200023

Semen analysis is of paramount importance to study potential male fertility, couple’s infertility, the effects of gonadotoxic agents on spermatogenesis and as follow-up test during treatment of male infertility. Since 1987, the World Health Organization proposes the standardization of this test and its reference values based on population-based data. The latest version of the World Health Organization guidelines was published in 2010. It introduced a new methodology that produced new references values, which triggered a discussion that lies inconclusive. We revised the original World Health Organization paper focusing on methodological changes and its results, the new references values and their impact on clinical practice.

New World Health Organization reference values for semen analysis: where do we stand?
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