Clinical Data Which Influence Semen Parameters in Infertile Men

Spermiograms, Sims-Huhner postcoital tests, in-vitro sperm penetration tests and hormone stimulation tests, including gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, thyrotrophin-releasing hormone and the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) test, were obtained in 225 infertile men. The present paper deals with the influence which anamnestic factors have on the spermiogram and on hormone levels. Adrenocortical function decreased with age. Blue-collar workers had poorer sperm parameters than white-collar workers. Smokers exhibited hormone alterations without significant changes in the spermiogram. Regular alcohol consumption was associated with elevated dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate and oestradiol concentrations and poor postcoital test results. Emotional stress had a negative influence on sperm parameters. Environmental influences warrant additional attention in the evaluation of men with abnormal spermiograms.