Sixth edition of the World Health Organization laboratory manual of semen analysis: Updates and essential take away for busy clinicians

Eric Chung; Widi Atmoko; Ramadan Saleh; Rupin Shah; Ashok Agarwal

doi:10.1080/20905998.2023.2298048

Sixth edition of the World Health Organization laboratory manual of semen analysis: Updates and essential take away for busy clinicians

Arab J Urol. 2023 Dec 25;22(2):71-74. doi: 10.1080/20905998.2023.2298048. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Eric Chung^{1

2

3}, Widi Atmoko^{3

4}, Ramadan Saleh^{3

5

6}, Rupin Shah^{3

7}, Ashok Agarwal^{3

8}

Affiliations

¹ AndroUrology Centre, Brisbane, Australia.
² Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
³ Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA.
⁴ Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
⁵ Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.
⁶ Ajyal IVF Center, Ajyal Hospital, Sohag, Egypt.
⁷ Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India.
⁸ Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.

Abstract

Background: Semen analysis is the cornerstone for male fertility evaluation. In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) released its 6^th edition of semen analysis manual.

Methods: We highlight the main changes in the latest 6^th edition of the WHO manual of semen analysis and their possible interpretations.

Results: The manual is highly comprehensive, offering detailed information, and is widely regarded as an excellent technical reference for laboratory staff. Nevertheless, several aspects of the manual require further elucidation for infertility practitioners.

Conclusion: The recently published 6th edition of the WHO manual provides a strong framework for the assessment and processing of human semen. Grasping the modifications introduced in this updated edition and their clinical significance can enhance the quality of patient care.

Keywords: Male infertility; WHO; World Health Organization; semen analysis; sperm.