Background: The examination of semen is generally performed in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO)“laboratory manual for examination and processing of human semen” manually (subjective), or using CASA-computer aided sperm analysis systems (objective). The Sperm Class s Analyzer (SCA) CASA system assesses various detailed motion and velocity parameters, which are not possible in the subjective method and can give indications of kinematic properties like speed, direction and straightness as biomarkers of sperm fertility potential. To maximize the likelihood of success in Assisted reproductive technology (ART), semen parameters such as volume, spermatozoa concentration and motility are expected to be within normal limits classified by the WHO. Several factors have shown to have an influence on semen quality parameters, one of which is the length of sexual abstinence before sample collection. The mentioned WHO (2010) guideline has suggested that a 2-7 days abstinence time before sample collection is optimal. However, there is not much supporting evidence provided for this recommendation. Due to the limited research with contradictive results about the ideal period of abstinence, this study aimed to assess the effect of short sexual abstinence time on spermatozoa motility and kinematic parameters to establish an evidence-based timeframe for an optimal abstinence time which could lead to higher ART success rates.

Results: