Relation between sperm count and semen volume, and pregnancies obtained during a twenty‐year follow‐up period

Abstract
The clinical fertility of 1077 men investigated with sperm analysis including sperm count and semen volume during the years 1950‐52 was studied 20 years later using a questionnaire, replied by 785 (72.9%). There was a significant correlation (P < 0.01) between sperm count and number of living children, but no relation to abortions and pathological pregnancies. Furthermore, sperm count was correlated (P < 0.01) to time interval from wish of pregnancy to pregnancy obtained. Of 53 men with sperm count ≤ 5 mill/ml 22.6% obtained living children compared with 52.2–63.1% living children in 730 men with sperm count > 5 mill/ml. Sperm count is concluded to be proper for fertility classification, and sperm count 5 mill/ml is found to be the clinically significant borderline of male infertility. There was no relation between semen volume and pregnancies obtained, however, there was a statistical relation (P < 0.01) to time interval to pregnancy obtained. Semen volume is concluded not to be suited for fertility classification.