Semen analysis remains a basic evaluation for male factor, despite the observation that semen parameters are poor predictors of male fertility. The standards for evaluation of semen parameters were developed with WHO support and guidance, with six different editions produced to-date. The standards for semen analysis were developed based on population-based studies that used specific selection criteria for abstinence in the subjects studied. WHO standards did not evaluate the effect of ejaculatory abstinence on the fecundity of semen specimens, and specifically did not analyze the relationship between abstinence for semen specimens and ART outcome. 

More recently, studies have been done to correlate the quality of semen with abstinence interval.  It is recognized that standard semen parameters are maintained with shorter abstinence, but increased sperm DNA fragmentation occurs with longer abstinence. Abstinence for semen samples affects the results of ART cycles including IVF and ICSI. With short (<1 hour to <1 day) abstinence, improved embryo implantation rates were seen with OR 1.45 (1.15-1.80; 95% CI). Increased chance of live birth after ART are seen with OR 1.69 (1.19-2.39). Short abstinence should be a standard for semen samples provided for ART. Longer abstinence is a historical artifact that does not provide semen samples with the best quality for ART.

To be Updated