Age-related nomograms of semen parameters: Balıkesir University Health Application and Research Hospital example

In clinical practice, spermiograms are performed based on the reference limits set by the guidelines published by the World Health Organization (WHO) for semen analysis. However; to date WHO has not considered age as a parameter related to semen. This study aims to investigate the effects of different age groups on semen parameters. In this way, we think that the data of patients who apply for semen analysis can be evaluated according to specific age group and will allow doctors to evaluate the patient directly according to the relevant age group. This study included the data from 1844 patients who applied to Balıkesir University Health Practice and Research Hospital Andrology Laboratory for spermiogram request in a 5-year period between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2022. Individuals under 18 years of age and individuals diagnosed with azoospermia were excluded from the data set. In addition, only the first data of patients with more than one analysis result were included. When these criteria were applied, we performed the retrospective review with the spermiogram results of the remaining 1391 patients. The spermiogram data of the patients were evaluated according to the "Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen" published by WHO in 2021. The statistical data used were analyzed with SPSS software program. Nomograms with percentile curves were created for each age group. When the findings obtained were analyzed; the highest rates in semen volume, progressive motility, total motility and normal morphology data were observed in the lowest age group as expected. These values were consistent with similar studies. Keywords: Male age, nomogram, semen analysis, semen parameters