Insight into male infertility: assessment of pattern of semen abnormalities

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the pattern of semen abnormalities in relation to concentration, motility and morphology in couples with male factor infertility

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at infertility clinic of Jinnah Medical College Hospital from February 2015 to February 2016. Seventy-three consecutive male partners of all women attending the infertility clinic for initial workup were included. After detailed history, semen analysis, which was the basic investigation, was done and the different parameters were analysed

Results: In this study normal sperm count was only 12 [16.4%], 23 [31.5%] pyospermia, 15 [20.5%] asthenozoospermia, azoospermia 2 [2.7%], oligospermia 3 [4.1%]. Pus in semen is associated with decreased motility in 9 [12.3%] and altered morphology in 2 [2.7%] of cases. Thirty-seven [50%] in our study were tobacco chewer, 8 [11%] smoker, 2 [2.8%] alcoholic, thyroid disorders in 1 [1.4%], diabetic 3 [4.1%], hypertension 2 [2.7%], history of hernioraphy 3 [4.1%], 3 [4.1%] impotent, 1 [1.4%] premature ejaculation and 1 [1.4%] was having psychological issues

Conclusion: This study revealed that male subfertility is a paramount factor of subfertility in our population. Tobacco chewing, smoking and infection drastically reduces the fertility potential in males

In suburban area of Karachi city - assessment of awareness and attitudes towards antenatal care [ANC]

Objective: Aim of this study was to access of awareness, existing knowledge and practices related to the utilization of ANC and service, among the women of suburban areas of the city of Karachi

Methods: A cross-sectional study of all booked pregnant women, attending the antenatal booking clinic and came for follow-up, at Korangi Industrial Area of Karachi, Jinnah Medical college hospital, Karachi were included. This institutional based study was done from 1st October 2014 to 1st March 2015 by means of a questionnaire. Using SPSS-20 statistical analysis was done. Chi-square test was used where appropriate and p<0.05 was considered significant. Institutional ethical approval was taken and informed consent from the patients included in the study

Results: A total no of pregnant women [n=662] were interviewed, while only 78 [11.8%] were reported timely visited. Parameters like younger age [p<0.0001], formale ducation of women [p<0.0001], education of husband [p<0.0001], wealth index [p<0.000], previous experience of care [p<0.0001] and planned pregnancies [p<0.039] were incorporated in the study. As these parameters, were considered basic and related with more positive attitude towards ANC

Conclusion: Our study shows that the timely utilization of ANC services was very low. There is need for enhancing awareness about the importance of early initiation and utilization of maternal care services