Variation of semen parameters in healthy medical students due to exam stress

Malawi Med J. 2009 Dec;21(4):166-7. doi: 10.4314/mmj.v21i4.49635.

Abstract

Aim: This study was aimed at investigating semen parameters that vary most in samples of healthy donors undergoing stressful examination period.

Methods: Samples were left to liquefy in an incubator at 37 degrees C, 5% CO2 for 30 minutes before volume was measured. Concentration and motility parameters were measured by means of computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) using Sperm Class Analyzer (Microptic S.L, Madrid, Spain).

Results: Sperm concentration was significantly decreased in samples donated close to the exam period as well as samples donated during the exam period when compared to samples donated at the beginning of the semester.

Conclusion: Stress levels of donors might prove to be clinically relevant and important when designing experiment protocols.

MeSH terms

  • Educational Measurement
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Semen Analysis / methods*
  • Semen Analysis / psychology
  • Spermatozoa / physiology*
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*
  • Students, Medical / psychology*