1- Sperm kinetics.

Definitions

Semen analysis is an indispensable tool in evaluating and treating infertility. Computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) is used frequently in most andrology laboratories. In addition to sperm concentration and motility, CASA provides information on sperm motion kinetics.

a) SPEED.

Expressed in um/seg

Sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm motion variables including amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), beat cross frequency (BCF),  (VCL),  (VSL),  (VAP), linearity (LIN=VSL/VCL), and straightness (STR=VSL/VAP) were evaluated simultaneously on the same semen samples using CASA.

1) Curvilinear velocity (VCL) is the average velocity of the sperm head through its real path, (reference value > 45 mm/seg)

2) Straight line velocity (VSL) is the average velocity of the sperm head through the straight line connecting the first position of the last track (reference value > 25 mm/seg)

3) Average path velocity (VAP) is the average velocity of the sperm head through its average trajectory (reference value > 35 mm/seg)

b) PROGRESSION.

It is expressed as a percentage

1) Linearity (LIN): reflecting the straightness of the sperm path (reference value 59%)

2) Righteousness movement (STR): reflecting the righteousness of motion (reference value> 80%)

3) Balancing (WOB): is the degree of oscillation of the actual path of the sperm head in his relationship with the VAP.

c)  LATERAL DISPLACEMENT OF SPERM HEAD (ALH)

It is defined as the amplitude of the variations of the current path of the sperm head in his relationship with the VAP. The reference value is> 2mm.

 d)BEAT FREQUENCY CROSS (BCF).

It is the average rate at which the actual sperm trajectory crosses the VAP. The reference value is> 15Hz. Actually, the BCF is a derivation of the true frequency of flagellar beat and frequency of rotation of the head (ROF).

The use of technology CASA has been recommended as a useful mechanism to predict the fertility potential of the male population in general.

2. KINEMATICS AND CERVICAL MOCO

The penetration of cervical mucus is an aspect of cell behavior that depends almost entirely on the physical forces generated by the blow of the scourge. This penetration is favored by the high values ​​of VSL and VAP and ALH.

That is why it is possible to produce a description of a subpopulation of sperm can penetrate the cervical mucus.

The minimum sperm characteristics to penetrate cervical mucus are:

VSL >25µm/seg,
STR >90%
ALH>2,5µm

3. Sperm Morphology and Morphometry

S eminal cytology is a real example of the morphological characteristics of the germinal epithelium. A complete ejaculate always contains a certain number of abnormal sperm, which we must work is inseminated with ejaculated in excess of permitted levels abnormal sperm.

Today, it is universally accepted that normal sperm morphology is significantly related to conception in vivo, in vitro fertilization and the sperm functional test.

The computerized analysis of sperm morphology is called ASMA (automated sperm morphometry analysis) that has been perfected over the last 10 years and compared with the techniques of coloring where reductions of 14% occur in length, 16% in the wide, and 30% in the area, allows the assessment of live gametes. This system is capable of classifying normal and abnormal sperm.

Abnormalities types are categorized enter: 

a) Defect head
b) Default neck (or neck) and spacer.
c) Default Queue.

Reference value 30% of morphologically normal forms.