Extended semen examinations in the sixth edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen: contributing to the understanding of the function of the male reproductive system

In the sixth edition of the World Health Organization manual for the examination and processing of human semen, extended examination methods to provide key diagnostics in the investigation of the male reproductive system function are elaborated. These go beyond the basic analysis of semen and may be useful in more specifically guiding the clinical characterization of fertile or infertile men. Among the extended examinations included in the chapter, the use of multiparametric scoring for sperm morphological defects, sperm DNA fragmentation, and the roles for computer-assisted analysis of sperm or semen are arguably those that will be the most widely used and may also cause the most debate. (Fertil Sterile 2022;117:252-7. (c) 2021 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)

Automated summary

The sixth edition of the World Health Organization manual explores extended examination methods that offer key diagnostics for investigating male reproductive system function. These methods go beyond basic semen analysis and can specifically guide the clinical characterization of fertile or infertile men. Multiparametric scoring for sperm morphological defects, sperm DNA fragmentation, and computer-assisted analysis of sperm or semen are among the most widely used and debated techniques.