What do white blood cells in semen mean?

White blood cells in semen, detected in semen analysis, often causeconcern to infertile couples, those who are having trouble getting pregnant, and even their doctors. On the one hand, this makes sense, because pus cells or white blood cells in semen are commonly thought of in association with infectious diseases. However, the mere presence of white blood cells in the semen is not sufficient to make a diagnosis of a genital tract infection.

Worst-Case Scenarios for White Blood Cells In Semen

Infectious diseases were common in India in the past. Smallpox, for instance, used to result in azoospermia and this infection injured the epididymis, leading to ductal obstruction. Tuberculosis can also affect the epididymis, causing azoospermia. Gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis, along with other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), are also capable of damaging the man's genital system, resulting in irreparable injury. Mumps is another viral disease, which could cause inflammation of the testis - particularly when young men are afflicted with it. This could even result in testicular failure if it damages both testes.

Reporting Errors Lead to False Diagnosis and Treatment

White blood cells in semen, a condition known as pyospermia or leucocytospermia, occurs commonly. The mere presence of white pus cells in the semen is not sufficient to make a diagnosis of an genital tract infection. Many laboratories make an error in reporting because they do not have the expertise to differentiate between pus cells and sperm precursor cells. Erroneous reports by such labs may result in the doctor resorting to antibiotic treatment, which just wastes the patient’s time and money, because these are normal and will persist.

Even the semen culture report can be very misleading. It’s common for the lab to grow bacteria such as E coli when they culture the semen. These are actually commensals, which are found normally on the skin, even in fertile men. However, unsophisticated doctors who will try to “treat” this with antibiotics often mistake this for a pathogenic organism!

What To Do If Test Shows White Blood Cells In Semen

The question a patient needs to ask is: can the bacteria found in my sperm actually cause male infertility? Can fertility be improved by treating this infection?

In my opinion, prescribing treatment in response most of these "abnormal reports" does not help to improve the man's fertility at all.

To see a fertility specialist who covers the full range of female and male fertility issues, schedule an appointment at one of InVia’s four Chicago area fertility clinics.