Received June 26, 2009
Accepted June 30, 2009

The parameters of morphology, motility and sperm concentration confer quality to a semen sample and changes in these parameters may affect male fertility. The present study aimed to compare different parameters of semen quality after two different sexual abstinence periods. The semen analysis of 33 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Semen parameters were compared for each patient in two different periods of sexual abstinence: period A short (1-4 days) and period B long (maximum of 5 days of abstinence). There was at least one more day of sexual abstinence between the two periods and there was not any overlapping between them. Results were analyzed by Student’s –T test for pared samples. Results showed a significant increase in sperm concentration and motility for the more prolonged period of sexual abstinence (Concentration: period A= 31,1±5,19; period B= 44,846±7,733; P=0,0026. Motility: period A=42,51±3,32; period B= 53,27±3,15; P=0,00038). No significant differences were detected for any of the other parameters analyzed (Morphology: period A= 22,57±1,79; period B=24,36±2,004; P=0,059; Volume: period A=2,83±0,225; period B=3,32±0,369; Viability: period A= 58,83±2,98; period B= 57,23±2,43; mean ± standard error, P>0,05). An abstinence period up to 5 days seems ideal for sperm maturation, possibly by making sperm more competent to fertilization. Thus, an increase of the sexual abstinence of up to 5 days seems to improve semen quality and my represent an important factor to consider when treating infertile couples.