[Infection of the sperm in male sterility].

Sperm infection is a classic cause of infertility. But, it cannot be considered without a minimum of precautions. First, infection of the sperm must be proven (presence of altered leucocytes, even higher than 10(5) or 10(6)/ml is not sufficient). What are the consequences of sperm infection? For many germs, especially chlamydiae and mycoplasma, the effect on sperm is not recognized or demonstrated. Once the infection is recognized, an etiology must be found: unrecognized chronic urethritis, prostatitis and/or chronic vesiculitis, chronic epididymitis. The infection must be adequately treated: according to the germ, according to the results of the resistance to antibiotics, according to the etiology. The author concludes that a true sperm infection is very rare; but it must be looked for as soon as it is suspected, especially in patients with a recent history of genital infection. Therefore an effective treatment of infertility is possible.