STD/HIV association: effects on semen characteristics.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 83 fertile/infertile men to investigate the association between STDs and HIV and their effects on semen characteristics and seminal leucocytes. HIV antibodies in semen, andrological parameters and seminal leucocytes were analyzed. Of the 83 subjects, 36 were HIV+ and 47 were HIV- . Only 9 out of 36 HIV+ men and 25 out of 47 HIV- men had no history of STD. The most common type of STD was gonorrhea (65%) and 60% of those who had gonorrhea were HIV+ . HIV+ men had low sperm motility (p < 0.02). HIV+ men with a history of STD had leucocytospermia compared to HIV- men irrespective of history of STD (p < 0.001). Leucocytospermia was prevalent in HIV+ men even with no history of STD (p < 0.05). Non-ulcerative STDs was a risk factor for HIV infection. There was a significant association between HIV- and no history of STD. Impaired sperm motility in HIV+ men may be mediated by activated seminal leucocytes, which could induce oxidative stress on sperm. Leucocytospermia may be a reliable indicator of HIV+ .