Belker et al used a grading scheme for sperm in semen collected from a transected vas deferens. The appearance of the sperm correlates with its functional capacity.
Specimen: semen collected from testicular side of a transected vas deferens, typically during the vasovasotomy procedure
Parameters:
(1) presence of sperm
(2) sperm heads
(3) intact sperm
Sperm
Sperm Heads
Intact Sperm
Grade
absent
NA
NA
5
present
all
NA
4
present
most
NA
3
present
none to some
most or all nonmotile
2
present
none or few
most or all motile (normal)
1
Grade
Percent with Sperm in Ejaculate
Percent Achieving Pregnancy
5
60%
31%
4
75%
44%
1 to 3
> 90%
50-63%
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