부산대학교 도서관

The analysis of spermatozoa in the urine may provide a method of assessing the function of the maturing gonads and to screen for damage of the tissue that produces and releases sperm. However, because spermaturia does not occur persistently, its value in screening is limited. Intermittent appearance of spermaturia results from involuntary release of sperm or masturbation. The sensitivity and usefulness of repetitive morning urine collections were assessed in 129 healthy boys, aged 10 to almost 18 years. The proportion of urine containing sperm increased from six percent in boys at the earliest stage of puberty to 92 percent at the most advanced stage. The presence of sperm in the urine was detected in most boys at the age of 14 years. Sperm was detected in the urine within the first five days of collection in boys at the earlier stages of puberty. At the most advanced stage of puberty, the frequency of detecting sperm in the urine increased up to the eighth day of urine collection. These findings suggest that repetitive morning urine sampling may serve as a useful method to assess spermaturia and to screen for damage to testicular tissue. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)