Role of Semen Examination in the Couple’s Fertility Assessment

The cornerstone of the male infertility evaluation is the conventional semen analysis which provides a basic measure of the male reproductive system. However, the utility of the conventional semen analysis can be debated as it does not measure the functional capacity of sperm to fertilize an egg. In this chapter we will review the indications for a semen analysis in the evaluation of an infertile couple as described in the new WHO sixth edition manual as well as provide a brief introduction to extended and advanced semen tests which may provide a better assessment of the functional capacity of sperm. This chapter will also serve as an introduction to the clinical utility of these tests described in the WHO sixth edition.