Geographic variation in semen parameters from data used for the World Health Organization semen analysis reference ranges.

To study geographic variations in sperm parameters using data from the trials that defined the reference ranges of the World Health Organization 2021 manual.

Retrospective evaluation of the data used to define the World Health Organization reference ranges.

Not applicable.

Data from 11 studies, including 3,484 participants across 5 continents.

The data were divided according to geographic locations.

Differences in sperm parameters.

The semen volume was significantly lower in samples from Asia and Africa than in other regions. The sperm concentration was the lowest in Africa and highest in Australia. The total motile sperm count (TMSC) and total motile progressive sperm count (TMPS) were significantly lower in Africa than in other regions. The TMSC and TMPS in Asia and the United States were significantly lower than in Europe and Australia. The 5th percentile of the sperm concentration was lowest in the United States (12.5 × 106/mL). The 5th percentile for the normal sperm morphology was lowest in the United States (3%) and highest in Asia (5%). The 5th percentile for the TMSC and TMPS were lowest in Africa (TMSC, 15.08 million; TMPS, 12.06 million) and the United States (TMSC, 18.05 million; TMPS, 16.86 million) and highest in Australia (TMSC, 29.61 million; TMPS, 25.80 million).

Significant geographic differences in sperm parameters exist, and regional fertility societies should consider adding their own reference ranges on the basis of local experience and treatment outcomes.

Fertility and sterility. 2022 Jun 22 [Epub ahead of print]

Ido Feferkorn, Liat Azani, Einav Kadour-Peero, Ranit Hizkiyahu, Guy Shrem, Mali Salmon-Divon, Michael H Dahan

Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, McGill University Health Care Center, Québec, Canada. Electronic address: ., Department of Molecular Biology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel., Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, McGill University Health Care Center, Québec, Canada., IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel., Department of Molecular Biology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel; Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.