Determinants of infertility in male partners of infertile couples at a public health facility in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Infertility is the most important reproductive health and social issue confronting married couples in our environment. The contribution of male factor is assuming a tremendous proportion. Seminal fluid analysis (SFA) remains an indispensable tool in the evaluation of the fertility potential of these male partners. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to determine the pattern of seminal fluid parameters and its impact on infertility among male partners of infertile couple at a public health facility in Ilorin. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of the seminal fluid indices of consecutively consenting male partners of infertile couple seen at the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Unit of the Department of Obstetrics Gynecology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2014. Results: All male partners of infertile couple who had infertility consultation at the ART unit consented to SFA during the study period. The patients were aged 27-67 years. One hundred and seventy-five (56.1%) patients had normal parameters. There was a high level of leukocytospermia and bacterial infections in both normospermic and oligospermic semen. The predominant organism was Staphylococcus aureus. Of the sociodemographic and reproductive/hormonal variables, only the age was found to have statistically significant association with types of infertility. Conclusion: Male factor is increasingly assuming a significant role in the etiology of infertility in Ilorin. The practitioners should, therefore, endeavor to involve them early in the overall management to reduce stigmatization and ostracizing of women for infertility.