Factors predictive of abnormal semen parameters in male partners of couples attending the infertility clinic of a tertiary hospital in south-western Nigeria

Abstract

Background. Infertility is a common gynaecological problem and male factors contribute significantly to its aetiology. Semen analysis has remained useful for investigation of male factor infertility.

Objective. To assess the pattern of semen parameters, and predictive factors associated with abnormal parameters, in male partners of infertile couples attending a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

Methods. A descriptive study of infertile couples presenting at the clinic between January 2012 and December 2015 at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria was done. Seminal fluid from the male partners was analysed in the laboratory using the World Health Organization 2010 criteria for human semen characteristics. Data were analysed using SPSS 17 and logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictive factors associated with abnormal semen parameters.

Results. A total of 443 men participated in the study and 38.2% had abnormal sperm parameters. Oligozoospermia (34.8%) and asthenozoospermia (26.9%) were the leading single-factor abnormalities found, and astheno-oligozoospermia occurred in 14.2% and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in 3.6% of cases. The prevalence of azoospermia was 3.4%. Smoking habit, past infection with mumps and previous groin surgery significantly predicted abnormal semen parameters (p=0.025, 0.040 and 0.017, respectively). Positive cultures were recorded in 36.2% of cases and Staphylococcus aureus was the most common.

Conclusion. Male factor abnormalities remain significant contributors to infertility and men should be encouraged, through advocacy, to participate in investigations into infertility, to reduce stigmatisation and ostracising of women with infertility, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.