The value of anamnestic information regarding previous genital infection in male fertility investigation.

The study was designed to assess the value of information from male subjects under fertility investigation, regarding previous genital infection, in clarifying the causes of depressed sperm quality. Information was gathered using a questionnaire which was sent to 312 men who had previously attended our laboratory for semen analysis. A previous sexual transmitted disease (STD) in the male partner did not significantly influence the sperm quality or the pregnancy rate. However, a previous STD in the female was generally associated with a lower pregnancy rate. Previous episodes with urethral discharge, dysuria, pain with ejaculation or suprapubic discomfort had little relevance for the subsequent sperm quality. The results indicate that, in general, information provided by men under fertility investigation, regarding previous genital infections or symptoms, is only of limited value in elucidating the cause of impaired sperm quality.