Sperm count Health Dictionary

See SPERMATOZOON.... sperm

The number of each of the cellular components per litre of blood. It may be calculated using a microscope or by an automated process.... blood count

An agent that causes local inflammation of an area... counterirritant

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the most signi?cant therapeutic advance in male INFERTILITY treatment in the past 30 years. The technique is used when in vitro fertilisation (IVF – see under ASSISTED CONCEPTION) is not possible because the man has very few, motile, normal sperm (see SPERMATOZOON), or when previous attempts at IVF have not produced a fertilised EMBRYO. ICSI requires a single sperm which is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an egg previously retrieved from the woman. Once fertilised, the embryo is transferred to her UTERUS. For men with no sperm in the semen, it may be possible to retrieve sperm by needle aspiration of the EPIDIDYMIS under local anaesthetic (see ANAESTHESIA). Other techniques involve microsurgical retrieval from the epididymis or TESTICLE under a general anaesthetic. Potential complications include scrotal pain, bruising, HAEMATOMA formation and infection. ICSI and surgical sperm-retrieval require extensive training and expertise and is currently available in only a few selected

infertility units. Safety concerns relate to a higher-than-expected rate of abnormalities in the SEX CHROMOSOMES after ICSI, and also the potential risk of transmitting paternal genetic defects in the Y chromosome to sons born after ICSI.... intracytoplasmic sperm injection

An agent which produces vaso-dilation of peripheral blood vessels by stimulating nerve-endings of the skin to generate irritation intended to relieve deep-seated pain. Arnica, Balm of Gilead, Black Mustard, Bryony (white), Cajuput (oil of), Camphor, Canada Balsam, Cayenne, Eucalyptus, Nutmeg (oil of), Sassafras, Thuja. ... counter irritant

An immunological assessment used to monitor for signs of organ rejection after transplantation; it is also used to check the progress of treatment in patients with HIV (see AIDS/ HIV). The count measures the ratio of helper-induced T-lymphocytes to cytotoxic-suppressor lymphocytes. (See LYMPHOCYTE; IMMUNOLOGY.)... cd4/cd8 count

A managerial process dealing directly with the selection of priority health problems, specification of operational objectives and translation of these into activities, resource needs and organization.... country health programming

A description applied in the UK to MEDICINES and drugs that can be obtained from a pharmacist without a doctor’s or dentist’s prescription. Some medications may be bought from retail outlets other than pharmacists.... over-the-counter (otc)

Herbal products are chiefly used to relieve symptoms of self- limiting conditions. Such products are either P (pharmacy only) or GSL (General Sales List). The Medicines (Labelling and Advertising to the Public) Regulations 1978 (SI 1978 No 41) state the range of conditions on schedule 2, parts I-IV. Dried herbs on sale under their plant or botanical name over the counter are exempt, provided no medicinal claims are made. ... over-the-counter products

A blood test used to monitor HIV infection and AIDS. The procedure counts the number of CD4 lymphocytes (white blood cells responsible for fighting infection) in a blood sample. CD4 lymphocytes are destroyed by , and reduced levels of these cells indicate the progression of and the eventual development of.... cd4 count

(OTC) drug A drug that can be bought without a prescription at a chemist’s or other store.... over-the-counter

n. *traction on one part of a limb, while the remainder of the limb is held steady: used particularly in the treatment of a fractured femur (thigh bone).... counterextension

n. the use of an opposing force to balance that being applied during *traction, when a strong continuous pull is applied, for example, to a limb so that broken bones can be kept in alignment during healing.... countertraction

(differential blood count) a determination of the proportions of the different kinds of white cells (leucocytes) present in a sample of blood. Usually 100 white cells are counted and classified under the microscope or by electronic apparatus, so that the results can readily be expressed as percentages of the total number of leucocytes and the absolute numbers per litre of blood. The information often aids diagnosis of disease.... differential leucocyte count

(EECP) an experimental treatment for patients with intractable angina. Specially designed inflatable trousers are inflated rhythmically in time with ventricular *diastole. Theoretically this imparts additional energy to the circulating blood volume when the heart is relaxed, and this may improve blood flow down severely narrowed coronary arteries. It is also claimed to have beneficial effects on blood flow to other organs. Despite promising clinical trials, this technique has not been widely adopted.... enhanced external counterpulsation

see MESA.... microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration

(NHSCFA) a *special health authority formed in 2017 to identify, investigate, and prevent fraud, bribery, and corruption within NHS organizations in England. These functions were formerly carried out by NHS Protect, part of the *NHS Business Services Authority.

NHS Counter Fraud Authority website... nhs counter fraud authority

(OTC drug) a drug that may be purchased directly from a pharmacist without a doctor’s prescription. Current government policy is to extend the range of OTC drugs: a number have already been derestricted (e.g. ibuprofen, ranitidine) and this trend is increasing, which will place an additional advisory responsibility on pharmacists.... over-the-counter drug

see PESA.... percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration

a device to measure and record the fluorescent flashes in a *scintillator exposed to high-energy radiation.... scintillation counter

a facility that collects, freezes, and stores human sperm for future use in *artificial insemination (see cryopreservation). Sperm is donated by men who relinquish legal rights to any future child, and donors’ identities are generally unknown to recipients. In some cases, men store their sperm for their own future use if they are to undergo a medical treatment that might leave them sterile.... sperm bank