Pattern of Semen Parameters and Factors Associated with Infertility in Male Partners of Infertile Couples in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a urological and common gynecological problem. Male factor contributes significantly to the aetiology of infertility. Semen analysis has remained a useful investigation in the search for male factor infertility. Most studies on semen pattern were done based on the World Health Organization (WHO) 1999 criteria for human values for semen characteristics. Objective: To determine the prevalence of infertility, pattern of semen parameters and factors associated with infertility in Nigerian male partners of infertile couples. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of infertile couples presenting at the infertility clinic between January 2014 and December 2015 was carried out at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, South-western Nigeria. Seminal fluid from the male partners was analysed in the laboratory using the World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 criteria for human semen characteristics. Results: A total of 443 men participated in the study and 38.2% had abnormal semen parameters. Oligozoospermia (34.8%) and asthenozoospermia (26.9%) were the leading abnormal factors. Smoking habit and previous groin surgery significantly predicted abnormal semen parameters, p<0.05. Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest organism for infection. Infertility and abnormal semen parameters were most prevalent at age group 31-35 years.Age range of male partners was 30-60 years with a mean age of 36.36 + 5.07. Duration of infertility was 1-11 years. The prevalence of secondary infertility was 83.7%. Conclusion: There is a growing trend in the prevalence of secondary infertility in Nigeria. Oligozoospermia coupled with smoking habit and previous pelvic operations are the significant predictive factors for infertility. Men should be encouraged to participate early in the investigation of infertility.