Pattern of semen fluid abnormalities in male partners of infertile couples in Khartoum, Sudan

ABSTRACT

Normal semen is a mixture of spermatozoa suspended in secretions from the testis and epididymis, which at the time of ejaculation, are combined with secretions from the prostate, seminal vesicles, and pulbourethral glands. Many factors affect the quantity and quality of semen parameters such as cigarette smoking, excessive exercise and alcohol consumption. The objectives of the study were to determine the pattern of semen fluid abnormalities [volume of the ejaculate, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm morphology] in male partners of infertile couples in Khartoum, Sudan. This was a descriptive study, 100 records of couples who attended Sudan Assisted Reproduction Centre in Khartoum seeking fertility treatment from July - December 2008 were reviewed for the volume of the ejaculate, the concentration of the sperms, the motility and the morphology. Semen production was obtained in the centre or at home after 3-7 days of abstinence from intercourse. Production of semen was by masturbation in a sterile container. Evaluation of samples was made by a qualified andrology technician. Statistics was done by the computer using SPSS soft ware. Results showed that 41.5%, 53.9%, 3.1%, and 1.5% of men had a volume of < 2, 2-4, 5-7 and >8 ml respectively. 25%, 37% and 38% had normal, oligozoospermia and azoospermia respectively. As regards motility, 27.4% had normal motility 62.9% had sluggish motility and 9.7% their sperms were immotile. There were only 1.8% of men who had normal morphology. The study concluded that, few men had sperm profile that was consistent with reference values with regard to volume, concentration, motility and morphology. Morphology showed the least normality. Results showed that no subject in the cohort fulfilled the full criteria of normozoospermia