Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of short abstinence on the semen parameters and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. A secondary aim was to assess the value of the CANros test for ROS assessment and any correlation between the DFI determined by CANfrag. METHODS: Thirty patients undergoing infertility treatment provided two semen samples: one after a normal abstinence period (2-7 days; control) and one after a short abstinence period (4 hours; case). Semen analysis included volume, total sperm count, motility, and liquefaction time while ROS levels were measured by the CANros test. Spearman's rank correlation was made between the results of CANros vs DFI measured by CANfrag and a cost-benefit analysis between the two tests. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the liquefaction time between the two samples. However, samples after 2-7 days of abstinence showed higher volume and total sperm count, though the 4-hour samples exhibited better motility. The CANros test was normal in 33.33% of 4-hour samples compared to 16.66% in the 2-7 days samples, though it was not statistically significant. A positive correlation was observed between CANros and DFI results (r=1.0, p=0.0), with the CANros test being more cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: Short abstinence enhances semen quality by improving motility and reducing oxidative stress. The CANros test is a reliable and cost-effective alternative to DFI testing for evaluating oxidative stress in semen.