Infertility among Nigerian Couples as seen in Calabar

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the infertility pattern among Nigerian couples in Calabar and to examine the outcome of our management strategies.Methods: A retrospective descriptive design study based on findings from the clinical files of infertile couples presenting at the gynaecology and the male fertility clinics of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital over a five-year period (2001-2005). Data were collected from all the documented clinical and laboratory findings.Results: The obvious causes of infertility constituted 58in females; 30in males and 12in both partners. Primary infertility was found in 69.7of males and 34.5of females and secondary infertility in 30.3of males and 65.5of females. Infection appears to be a strong predisposing factor to infertility in both male and female patients in our study population. Pregnancy was achieved in 24of our female patients who had tubal surgery; while 69of our males who had varicocelectomy had improvement in seminal fluid parameters.Conclusion: Prevention and prompt treatment of infection; particularly the sexually transmitted infections could be beneficial in the reduction of infertility among couples