Semen ph in infertile males and its association with semen parameters

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Assessment of pH of the ejaculate is part of the basic seminal fluid analysis. The WHO defines the reference range for seminal fluid pH to be 7.2 or more. In practise we have observed that the pH is commonly in the alkaline range in patients with normal as well as abnormal seminal parameters. Furthermore, there are many others who question the reference range defined by the WHO, and claim it to be too low. Objective: To define the range of pH in seminal fluid in a infertile male population and to assess the association it shows to seminal fluid parameters. METHOD: Seminal fluid analysis including pH assessment was done on 168 males who sought infertility treatment at the university infertility clinic, at teaching hospital, Ragama. The pH was assessed within 30 minutes from collecting the sample using a pH meter. The seminal fluid analysis was done according to the WHO criteria. Log inversion of pH was done prior to calculation ofmeans. Results: The mean (±SD) pH of the sample population was 7.70 (±0.25) with a minimum of 6.78 and a maximum of 8.52. Only five patients (3%) had a pH less than 7.2. The distribution of the pH showed a 5" percentile value of 7.37 and a 95 'percentile of8.21.Thirty four percent (n=57) of subjects had a normal Seminal fluid analysis with regard to volume, concentration, motility and viability. Mean pH value showed a significant difference between the groups with a normal vs. abnormal volume of ejaculate, 7.75 vs. 7.59, P<0.05. Similar differences were not seen with any other semen parameter. Conclusion: The pH of ejaculate in this study sample is towards an alkaline range. Associations between semen pH and seminal parameters needs further study.