Leukocytes or white blood cells (WBCs) are present in the semen by default, though in a reduced number.
If an elevated number of WBCs appears after a semen analysis (SA), we may suspect that there exists an infection. The presence of a high number of leukocytes in the semen is an abnormality known as leukospermia or pyospermia.
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Definition
Leukospermia, leukocytospermia, or pyospermia is defined as the presence of more than 1 million leukocytes in 1 ml semen. As stated earlier, having Leukospermia means that there is an abnormal increased amount of leukocytes in the ejaculate.
Leukocytes, leucocytes, or white blood cells (WBCs) are cells produced by the immune system that can be found in the blood. Their main function is to help your body fight infections.
While it is normal to detect a few WBCs in the semen after performing a sperm analysis, an elevated concentration of leukocytes in a sample can compromise male fertility, as it increases the levels of oxidative stress and decreases sperm quality. In short, in can reduce a man's sperm concentration.
The presence of leukocytes in the semen can cause temporary sterility, but rarely permanent sterility or infertility. For this reason, when leukospermia is detected, the patient needs a specific treatment to solve the infertility issues it might be causing and avoid that it becomes permanent.
How are pyocytes counted in semen?
Specialists calculate the amount of leukocytes in the semen per milliliter of semen following the criteria of the World Health