Effects of chemical components of urine on sperm motility

Kim, In Gyu; Kim, Sae Chul

Abstract

The acidity and osmolarity of urine, and semen contamination with cell suspension or bacteria in the urine could lower sperm motility of retrograde ejaculates. So far, however, very few reports about the influence of chemical components of the urine on the sperm motility have been published. In the present study, the effects or the major chemical components in the urine (ammonia, creatinine, urea, and uric acid) on the sperm motility were investigated. For objective and accurate determination of the sperm motility, Sperm Quality Analizer was utilized in addition to Makler counting chamber, and semens were taken from one and the same young man with normal spermiogram. The amount of the chemical components which were applied to the semen was determined by calculating their daily output in urine. Each test was repeated 5 times. The higher the concentration of The urine to normal saline in the state of the same pH and osmolarity, the lower the sperm motility, which means the chemical components of the urine may have detrimental effect on the motility. Uric acid, urea and crealinine had little effects on the motility, regardless of concentration until 30 minutes after exposure. But ammonit had acute lethal effect on the motility even in the minimal amount. In conclusion, ammonia seems to be one of the most import factors in urine detrimental to sperm motility.