Pattern of Semen Fluid Abnormalities in Male Partners of Infertile Couples in Southeastern; Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background: A retrospective study of all the semen samples of male partners of infertile couples sumitted for analysis to the microbiology laboratory of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital; Nnewi Nigeria between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2006 The reports of the semen fluid analysis were retrieved from the records department and suplemented with the laboratory register. Methods:Aretrospective study of all the semen samples of male partners of infertile couples sumitted for analysis to the microbiology laboratory of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital; Nnewi Nigeria between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2006 The reports of the semen fluid analysis were retrieved from the records department and suplemented with the laboratory register. Results:Out of the 348 semen sample reports evaluated; 237 (68.0) had semen fluid abnormalities. 104(30.0) had single factor abnormalities while 133(38.0) had combined factor anomalies. Asthenozoospermia 58(16.7) was the main single abnormality; while Astheno-oligozoospermia 51(14.7) and Astheno-oligoteratozoospermia (13.2) were the major combined factor abnormalities detected. Very few 5(1.4) of the patients had azospermia.Conclusion: The study showed a high rate of semen fluid abnormalities among the male partners of infertile women in our environment. The high preponderance of poor motility emphasizes the need to include men in programmes aimed at reducing sexually transmitted infections in Nigeria