Apoptosis in human ejaculated spermatozoa

After the introduction of assays determining apoptosis in human ejaculated spermatozoa, several studies have been published about the relationship between apoptosis in spermatozoa and semen quality. Apoptosis in spermatozoa is significantly correlated with conventional semen quality parameters, but also with the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques. The apoptotic process is probably set in motion before ejaculation. Determining apoptosis in spermatozoa can improve selection criteria in assisted reproduction.