Sperm count profile of men presenting for infertility evaluation in Nnewi Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of sperm count abnormalities in men who presented at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi for infertility management.
Materials: Patients' seminal fluid analysis records were accessed by permission from Microbiology Laboratory Department of NAUTH.
Method: Retrospective review of the laboratory records on seminal fluid analysis. Records from October 2000 to March 2005 were reviewed. The number of samples that revealed normal sperm count, oligzoospermia and azoospermia were determined and their percentages calculated. Oligozoospemia was further subcategorized into mild, moderate and severe. The WHO criteria were applied, and the seminal fluid analysis was performed by manual method.
Result: The result showed that out of the 1134 males tested for their semen quality, 561 patients (49.5%) had a normal sperm count. A total of (50.5%) has abnormal sperm count (sperm count below reference values or no sperm at all) 511 (45%) showed oligozoospermia while 62 (5.5%) showed azoospermia.
Conclusion: This study revealed a high rate of abnormal sperm count parameters and by extension male infertility in the reviewed patients. Proper education of the populace as regards the role of male factor in infertility and its prevention is very essential. Assisted reproduction technology services will help in solving infertility for men who cannot produce functional quality sperm.


Keywords: Sperm count, Male infertility.

Tropical Journal of Medical Research Vol. 10(1) 2006: pp. 24-27