Diagnosis and Management of Urospermia

Urine contamination of semen can lead to decreased conception rates due to the toxic effects of the urine on spermatozoa and possible inflammation induced in the uterus from components in the urine. Methods for the prevention of urospermia include selective collection of the sperm-rich fraction of the ejaculate fluids with an open-ended artificial vagina, medications to augment bladder sphincter control, management to induce urination prior to breeding or collection, and centrifugation of semen after urine contamination. This chapter describes the technique for testing and management of urospermia, and the equipment and supplies needed for this purpose. The best management practice for a stallion with apparent behavior-associated urospermia is to have the stallion urinate prior to collection. Urine contamination of semen can lead to decreased conception rates due to the toxic effects of the urine on spermatozoa and possible inflammation induced in the uterus from components in the urine.