Beatrice Oluyomi Emma-Okon, Olusola Benjamin Fasubaa , Rachael Adetoro Togun, Julius Bayode Fakunle, Aderemi Awoniyi and Tokunbo Adediran
Many studies have reported results of semen analysis, but emphasis has always been on sperm count without taking into consideration other parameters as defined by WHO. This study examines the pattern of semen analysis in male partners of infertile couples in the local community in the light of six parameters (sperm concentration, motility, morphology, viability, semen volume and pH) to provide information on semen quality which could be useful in adopting treatment options for infertile men in this environment. A prospective study was carried out using a structured questionnaire to obtain demographic information as well as medical/fertility history of 114 men who came to the Gynaecology clinics of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals, Ile-Ife and Ilesa for male factor testing during the period of the study. Complete semen analysis was also carried out on samples obtained from these men according to WHO guidelines. 114 patients were seen in the course of the study. Sixty-nine percent of subjects were deficient in one or more of the semen quality parameters. 12.3% were azoospermic, 36.0% were oligospermic. A combination of Poor motility, abnormal morphology and oligospermia (Asthenospermic Teratospermic Oligospermic (ATO) syndrome) was seen in 2.6% of subjects. Many of the subjects (58.8%) had secondary infertility. Oligospermia was the most common of the disorders observed. The high incidence of abnormal semen quality in this locality becomes more obvious when all parameters, not just sperm count are taken into consideration. The role of infection should be investigated as suggested by the high incidence of secondary infertility.
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