Abnormalities of semen parameters among male partners of infertile couples in a sub-urban tertiary hospital in Nigeria

Christian O. Igibah; Joseph Okoeguale; Simeon C. Amadi; Theophilus N. Ilenbodiaye; Francis Erah; Ada N. Okocha; Mkpe Abbey; Paul L. Kua; Chidiebere N. Ononuju; Oluwagbemiga Adewale

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20232923

Authors

Christian O. Igibah Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
Joseph Okoeguale Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
Simeon C. Amadi Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rivers State University and Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7230-3287
Theophilus N. Ilenbodiaye Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
Francis Erah Department of Community Medicine Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria
Ada N. Okocha Department of Family Medicine, Rivers State University and Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Mkpe Abbey Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rivers State University and Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Paul L. Kua Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rivers State University and Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Chidiebere N. Ononuju Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Oluwagbemiga Adewale Ultimate Specialist Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20232923

Keywords:

Semen parameters abnormality, Infertile couples, Asthenozoospermia, Azoospermia

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a common reason for gynecological clinic visits in Nigeria. Men contribute significantly to the cause of infertility; however male factor infertility remain underreported compared to commonly reported female factor infertility. This study aimed to evaluate the abnormalities of semen parameters among male partners of infertile couples in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State, Nigeria.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study of 285 semen samples of male partners of infertile couples was conducted at Irrua specialist teaching hospital. The laboratory staff carried out analysis of the semen samples using set parameters outlined by the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. Socio-demographic data of the participants was also taken in a proforma. The data obtained was then analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

Results: The age range of participants in this study was 20 to 65 years, with a mean age of 33.38 years. A total of 80.7% of the cases reviewed had one or more abnormal semen parameters. In 45.6%, 51.6%, and 47.0% of the analyzed samples, sperm cell count, morphology and total motility were below the WHO reference level, respectively. The severe forms of abnormal semen analysis findings detected in this study were asthenozoospermia (47%), oligozoospermia (15.8%), azoospermia (45.6%), and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (15.5%). There was also statistically significant finding of rising cases of oligospermia with increasing age among the participants

Conclusions: Male factor infertility although grossly under reported, contributes significantly to the burden of infertility in our setting. There is a need to raise awareness so that men are properly evaluated and treated.

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