Comparison between the first and the second electroejaculate qualities obtained from neurologically intact men suffering from anejaculation

Abstract

Background: Electroejaculation is an artificial method used to procure semen from neurologically intact men suffering from anejaculation that have failed other treatments. In order to establish the consistency of semen parameters in repeated electroejaculations, we compared retrospectively the quality of the first and the second electroejaculates of anejaculatory men who were not suffering from any known neurological problems. Methods: Between 1995 and 2004, 59 neurologically intact men suffering from anejaculation underwent multiple electroejaculations. Sperm quality of the first and the second ejaculates was compared. Results: A significant difference of 0.33±0.16 ml in the volume of the antegrade portion was found (P=0.023). The results showed no significant difference in the concentration, motility, count and total motile count of the antegrade ejaculates. In retrograde ejaculates there were no significant differences in the count, motility and total motile count. Neither was there any difference in the total count and the total motile count of both fractions. Conclusions: Electroejaculation is a reliable method for semen procurement in men suffering from anejaculation. Since semen parameters are consistent, repeated procedures are not justified for improving the sperm quality in anejaculatory, neurologically intact men. © The Author 2005. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved.