For what reasons is an increased number of leukocytes detected in the spermogram?

In recent years, many factors that surround the modern man everywhere contribute to a constant increase in the number of childless couples. This trend cannot be explained by the low standard of living and the corresponding deterioration in the health of residents of economically precarious countries. After all, the same is observed in prosperous states, where everything is provided, from high-quality medical care to a high level of living conditions.

To find out the causes of infertility, a man undergoes a spermogram, which is one of the most informative methods for diagnosing pathologies of the genitourinary organs and determining the degree of fertility. During the analysis, the number of leukocyte cells in one milliliter of ejaculate is counted. It should be noted that even in a man who does not complain of any health problems, single white blood cells are found in the semen. The norm of leukocytes in a spermogram is a maximum of one million per milliliter of semen, and three to five cells are found in the microscope field. Exceeding these values is regarded as a pathology.

Depending on the form and degree of the disease, different forms of leukocyte cells are found in the ejaculate:

• Granulocytes - differ in that microscopic examination reveals granules in the cytoplasm. These include neutrophils, the main purpose of which is phagocytosis - the absorption of foreign agents and their destruction. True, as a result, not only pathogenic cells die, but also the neutrophils themselves.
• Agranulocytes - do not contain granules. The main functional cells of the immune system include lymphocytes, the task of which is to synthesize antibodies and participate in the cellular immune response. This category also includes monocytes, which, due to their large size, absorb large disease-causing cells and particles. They play an important role in the implementation of antiviral and antitumor immunity, protect the body from pathogens and fungi.

For accurate differentiation of lymphocytes, additional serological tests are required.

Why leukocytospermia develops

An increase in the allowable number of leukocyte cells in the ejaculate indicates an inflammatory process in the genitourinary system. This picture of the spermogram is observed in the following inflammatory pathologies:

• Orchitis
• Vesiculitis
• Epididymitis
• Prostatitis

Elevated leukocytes in the spermogram do not necessarily indicate the presence of an inflammatory pathology. This may be due to insufficient compliance with the rules of personal hygiene before taking the analysis. To confirm the results, the study should be repeated, preferably in a different clinical laboratory.

Inflammation of the testes and their appendages (orchitis and epididymitis) most negatively affect fertility, since these organs are responsible for the production of spermatozoa and androgenic hormones. Damage to the prostate gland and seminal vesicles (prostatitis and vesiculitis) cause a decrease in the quality of the ejaculate, the viability and mobility of sperm, which significantly reduces the chances of natural fertilization.

Diseases in which leukocytospermia is detected are caused by pathogens transmitted through sexual contact (gonococci, chlamydia), coccal flora (strepto- and staphylococci). Pathogenic bacteria and toxic products of their vital activity cause the appearance of sperm of irregular morphology, damage the structure of their nucleic acids, causing gene disorders.

We should also mention the infection with chlamydia, which is asymptomatic and is detected when an increased content of white blood cells in the semen is detected. Without causing a man pronounced discomfort, pathogens have a detrimental effect on his germ cells, leading to a significant decrease in fertility, up to infertility.

State Dangers

By themselves, leukocytes in the spermogram have a negative impact on the quality of the ejaculate:

• When destroyed, the leukocyte cell releases active compounds that are inflammatory agents and have a destructive effect on the membrane structures of spermatozoa, inhibiting their viability and motor functions.
• They increase the viscosity of the spermatic fluid, as a result of which the mobility of gametes also decreases.

In inflammation, which is indicated by leukocytes in semen, prostaglandins are produced, the action of which causes the death of pathogenic pathogens and, at the same time, negatively affects the state of the reproductive system.

Inflammation of the reproductive organs is one of the main causes:

• Decrease in the quality of the ejaculate - an increase in the number of spermatozoa with irregular morphology, a decrease in the viability of spermatozoa and their activity.
• Inhibition of the production of the liquid component of sperm in the prostate.
• High content of free radicals, which have a destructive effect on spermatozoa.

Determining the types of leukocytes is necessary to determine the stage of the disease: at the initial acute stage, neutrophils predominate, when the pathology passes into a chronic form, a large number of lymphocytes are found in the spermogram.

Diagnosis and treatment

As already mentioned, an increased content of leukocytes is determined in the semen using a spermogram. To select an effective therapy, it is necessary to find out the cause of leukocytospermia, for which the following examinations are carried out:

• Ultrasound examination of the urogenital organs.
• Bacteriological cultures.
• Serological tests.
• Setting up immunological reactions.

To normalize the indicator, it is necessary to eliminate inflammation, for which antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and other antibacterial drugs are used. Of the antibiotics in this case, the most effective are those that easily penetrate into the tissues of the testes, prostate and seminal vesicles.

The antibacterial course is designed for five to seven days. If the pathology is of a viral nature, the treatment will take longer, while the positive effect determines the use of immunostimulants that activate cellular and humoral immunity. The effectiveness of therapy is markedly increased by the use of antioxidants and complex vitamin preparations.