Index of Longevity — A new Definition of an Index for Sperm Quality Evaluation

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Abstract
A new index by which sperm longevity can be evaluated quantitatively is suggested for a routine semen analysis, and was calculated in seminal specimens of 50 donors. This index of longevity is defined according to each one of 2 different characteristics of sperm motility analyzed by the MEP method:ILM — the ratio between per cent of motile sperm measured four h and one h after ejaculation.ILV — the ratio between sperm velocity measured four and one h after ejaculation.The ratio clearly shows whether motility, tested in vitro, is stable or drops rapidly with time.ILM was found to range between 0.2 and 1.3 with average 0.8. ILV ranged from 0.5 to 1.8 and average 1.14. Neither ILM nor ILV showed any correlation with sperm concentration, abnormal forms, initial per cent of motility or initial sperm velocity and thus it was impossible to predict sperm longevity from any known sperm characteristics. However. a coefficient of correlation of 0.44 was found between ILM and ILV which means that to a certain extent, cases with well‐preserved percentage of motility may also reveal a well‐preserved sperm velocity.With the aid of this index it is possible to investigate if there is any correlation between sperm longevity and fertility rate, sperm survival in various media, alleged sperm stimulants or treatment given to the male.