[Significance of linear cervix mucus penetration for the evaluation of spermatozoa quality].

Linear mucus penetration of spermatozoa from 75 arbitrary selected men was evaluated using a non-commercial bovine cervix mucus preparation in the same way as Penetrak, but using round glass capillary tubes instead of flat plastic tubes. The mean penetration value was 28.7 +/- 7.10 mm in 90 min and the mean sperm density 36.0 +/- 22.79 x 10(6) ml. Mucus penetration was more correlated to sperm density (r = 0.6) than to any other semen parameter. Consequently it seems to be necessary to evaluate a sliding discrimination index for adequate penetration rate depending on sperm density (regression line and confidence interval). Numerical methods for comparison of penetration rates are suggested.