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 58% in females, 30% in males and 12% in both partners. Primary infertility was found in 69.7% of males and 34.5% of females and secondary infertility in 30.3% of males and 65.5% of 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 24% of our female patients who had tubal surgery, while 69% of 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.

Keywords: Infertility, Infection, Nigerians

Port Harcourt Medical Journal Vol. 2 (1) 2007: pp. 35-40