Insight into epidemiology of male infertility in central India

Abstract

Background: Approximately 10% to 15% of couples in developing countries are infertile. Male infertility is responsible for 20-43% of infertility cases and contributes to another 12-20% of cases. Azoospermia, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia are abnormal sperm parameters causing male infertility. Male infertility is often poorly responsive to primary treatment and often requires supportive secondary measures. The understanding of causes and modifiable risk factors for male infertility would enable their prevention and primary treatment. Aims and objectives of current study was to analyze the epidemiology and clinical factors of male infertility in Central India and identify its risk factors.

Methods: 100 male patients attending outpatient for treatment of infertility were evaluated using a questionnaire. Semen samples were collected and spermatozoa were assessed according to WHO 2021 data for semen analysis. The results were tabulated and analyzed.

Results: Amongst patients were semen abnormalities, the majority (34%) of patients had oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. All semen abnormalities were most common in the age group 35-45 years and in patients with 5-10 years duration of infertility. All semen abnormalities except azoospermia were most common in people with a monthly income of >2,000-5,000. The majority of the patients had a past history of urogenital tract infection, except oligoasthenospermic males in whom the majority had varicocele. All semen abnormalities were more common among businessmen and also more prevalent among smokers.

Conclusions: Couples should be educated about infertility causes and the contribution of male infertility to it. Multifactorial analysis along with clinicopathological analysis should contribute to accurate diagnosis of the cause of male infertility and proposal of adequate measures.