Factors Associated with Spermatic Abnormalities in Men Consulting for Couple Infertility at the Hospital Center for Research and Application in Endoscopic Surgery and Human Reproduction, Cameroon

Abstract

Introduction: The origin of male infertility remains multifactorial and idiopathic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors associated with sperm abnormalities in men consulting for couple infertility in Cameroon. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out at the Hospital Center for Research and Application in Endoscopic Surgery and Human Reproduction in eight months in 346 male infertile couples who gave their informed consent. The statistical analysis was done using the software Epi info version 3.5.4. Chi square tests was performed with a p value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Risk factors associated with sperm abnormalities were smoking (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.25-3.09, p = 0.003), syphilis (OR = 2.78, 95% CI) % = 1.03-7.47, p = 0.035), mumps infection with testicular involvement (OR = 3.48, 95% CI = 1.1-12.02, p = 0.036), irradiation ( p = 0.011), varicocele (OR = 7.66, 95% CI = 2.31-25.4, p = 0.000) and congenital anorchia (OR = 5.27, 95% CI = 1, 2-23.03, p = 0.014). Conclusion: Risk factors for sperm abnormalities were smoking, irradiation, urogenital chlamydiosis, urogenital syphilis, mumps infection associated with testicular involvement, varicocele and congenital anorchia.