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The new 6th edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen: is it a step toward better standard operating procedure?
June 30, 2023
Article #9: The new 6th edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination
and Processing of Human Semen: is it a step toward better standard operating
procedure?
Authors: Chung E, et al, Asian Journal of Andrology (2022) 24, 123–124
doi: 10.4103/aja2021118; published online: 07 January 2022
Preamble:
The preliminary release of the new 6th Edition of the WHO manual for public commentary has aroused significant scientific interest and criticism. The founding members of GAF was one of the very first group of experts (and scientific organizations) to critically review this Manual and wrote several editorial pieces in peer-review journals. This foresight and continued dedication to advancing the Andrology field by GAF is truly remarkable and speaks volumes regarding the influential role of GAF in the scientific community.
Briefly, a little about the WHO Laboratory manuals:
The WHO Laboratory Manual on semen analysis processing was first published in 1980 and in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s basic semen examination on specification and test methods. Over the last 4 decades, several editions have been released with scientific scrutiny despite incorporating new advances in semen analysis standard methods and new technologies in extended and advanced sperm parameters evaluation.
And now about the Sixth edition:
The new 6th Edition of the WHO manual aims to provide not only an update of the current methods and thresholds but also an insight into recent developments in semen examination, sperm preparation and cryopreservation, and quality control and assurance. One of the most notable changes in the new 6th Edition is the change in the definition of “abnormal ejaculates”. While the reference ranges and limits on various sperm parameters have been revised to remove the existing dichotomy between “fertile” and “infertile” men and Various sperm parameters have been revised accordingly to afford more generalization since male fertility should be viewed as a continuum of semen parameters in real life, and the fact that SA alone cannot predict fertility, pregnancy or its associated clinical outcomes given the multifactorial nature of fertilization process. Significant advances in scientific knowledge and state-of-art technologies have improvedvarious aspects of functional assessment of male infertility, while advanced sperm selection methodologies have been updated or introduced, targeting especially the populations with poor reproductive prognosis in terms of natural conception and assisted reproductive technology.
Capsule:
It is important to understand that this WHO manual functions both as an aid as well as a foundation for human semen examination and processing but is not intended to replace actual clinical management of male infertility. Men with fertility risk factors or abnormal semen parameters should be referred to a male reproductive specialist for a full clinical evaluation, appropriate counselling, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
Acknowledgment:
Eric Chung, MD authored the above news item. Thank you, Eric!