Semen analysis in unilateral epididymitis.

PIP: Semen analyses were done on 16 men between 18 and 45 years of age who had unilateral nongonorrheal epididymitis, to evaluate its effect on the sperm. 8 men were black and 8 were white; average age was 28 years. 5 had had children before the onset of the disease but none had impregnated their wives since becoming ill. Patients whose past history or physical examination revealed factors that might contribute to abnormal semen analysis were eliminated from the study. Semen specimens were taken at intervals of from 5 days-1 1/2 years after onset of acute epididymitis. Chronic prostatitis with Bacteriaceae alcaligenes urinary tract infection was seen in 2 cases. Average ejaculate volume was below 2.4 cc in 9 of the 16 subjects, 4 had average volumes between 2.4-3.3 cc, and the remaining 3 had volumes above 3.3 cc. 1 case was azoospermic and 6 had average counts below 20 million/cubic cm. Abnormal motility (less than 40% active sperm/field) was seen in 3 of 16 cases. At no time were fewer than 60% oval forms seen. It has been estimated that in normal men, after 3 days of continence, sperm count should be at least 20 million/cubic cm. 40% of the sperm should be motile, and at least 60% should be normal in structure. In this series a man with a count of 5 million/cubic cm had 2 children by his 1st wife before the onset of epididymitis but was unable to impregnate his 2nd wife in 6 months of follow-up. Sterility work-up by the wife's gynecologist was negative.^ieng