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Semin Reprod Med 2000; 18(2): 133-140
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-12552
Copyright © 2000 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Assessment of Sperm Competence

Denny Sakkas, Mathew Tomlinson
  • Assisted Conception Unit, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The predictive values of four categories of established sperm function assays-computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA), induced-acrosome reaction testing, sperm penetration assay, and sperm-zona pellucida binding assays-are still unsure. In this article we examine the evaluation of sperm competence. We propose that assessment of sperm competence should include investigations at the nuclear, organelle, and cytoskeletal levels. In light of this, we discuss the assessment of sperm nuclear integrity as an alternative new method of analysis. We also question the merit of having such tests, whereby it may be an easier choice to direct these patients straight to an assisted reproduction treatment.

KEYWORD

competence - sperm nuclear DNA - sperm chromatin

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