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Björndahl L, Esteves SC, Ferlin A, Jørgensen N, O'Flaherty C. Improving standard practices in studies using results from basic human semen examination. Andrology 2023; 11:1225-1231. [PMID: 37740519 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to provide an explanation of the background behind a checklist that declares the laboratory methods used in a scientific study. It focuses primarily on implementing laboratory procedures to yield reliable results in basic semen examinations. While the World Health Organization (WHO) and international standards provide recommendations for basic semen examination, manuscripts submitted to Andrology frequently lack transparency regarding the specific techniques used. In addition, the terminology used for semen examination results often fails to provide a clear definition of the groups under study. Furthermore, the WHO's reference limits are often misinterpreted as strict boundaries between fertility and infertility. It is important to note that valid clinical andrological diagnoses and treatments cannot rely solely on semen examination results; they require proper laboratory procedures as a foundation for diagnosing and treating male patients. Therefore, scientific journals should promote the adoption of robust laboratory practices and an accurate definition of patient groups. A checklist can facilitate the design of high-quality studies and the creation of informative publications. Further, it can help journals assess submitted manuscripts and improve the overall quality of their publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Björndahl
- ANOVA Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Surgery (Urology Division), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Repoductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cristian O'Flaherty
- Surgery (Urology Division), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- The Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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