Semen parameters in men with and without proven chronic prostatitis.

In patients with complaints of chronic prostatitis, analysis of prostatic secretions for leukocytes and the use of the four-specimen technique allow a distinct classification of chronic bacterial (CBP), nonbacterial prostatitis (NBP), and prostatodynia (Pd). In this study, 32 men with CBP, 102 men with NBP, 142 men with Pd, and 42 volunteers, classified as mentioned above, underwent a two-fold ejaculate analysis using WHO criteria. Sperm count, progressive motility, range of abnormal spermatozoa, increased numbers of common bacteria, and peroxidase-positive leukocytes were analyzed. Additionally, antibody-coated bacteria (ACB), numbers of ureaplasmas in semen, and urethral colonization by chlamydia were investigated. Mean values of sperm density, motility, and morphology revealed no differences between the groups. Significant bacteriospermia (greater than or equal to 10(3) bacterial/ml) was evident in only 47% of the CBP group versus 6.8% (NBP), 16% (Pd), and 4.2% (controls). ACB was positive in 31 of 32 men with CBP versus 3 of 102 with NBP, 9 of 142 with Pd, and none of the controls. Increased numbers of leukocytes were evident in CBP and NBP patients compared to the controls (p less than or equal to 0.001) but were also present in patients of the NBP and Pd groups with chlamydial infections.