What advances may the future bring to the diagnosis, treatment, and care of male sexual and reproductive health?

Over the past 40 years, since the publication of the original WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, the laboratory methods used to evaluate semen markedly changed and benefited from improved precision and accuracy, as well as the development of new tests and improved, standardized methodologies. Herein, we present the impact of the changes put forth in the sixth edition together with our views of evolving technologies that may change the methods used for the routine semen analysis, up-and-coming areas for the development of new procedures, and diagnostic approaches that will help to extend the often-descriptive interpretations of several commonly performed semen tests that promise to provide etiologies for the abnormal semen parameters observed. As we look toward the publication of the seventh edition of the manual in approximately 10 years, we describe potential advances that could markedly impact the field of andrology in the future. (Fertil Sterile 2022;117:258-67. (c) 2021 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)

Automated summary

This article introduces the changes and improvements in laboratory methods for semen evaluation over the past 40 years, as well as the potential advancements in new technologies and diagnostic approaches that may alter routine semen analysis methods in the future. The article also discusses potential advances that could significantly impact the field of andrology in the future.