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Male Contribution to Infertility in Maiduguri, Nigeria


Audu Idrisa
Emeka Ojiyi
Omar Tomfafi
Thiam B. Kamara
Hamidu U. Pindiga

Abstract

Context: Infertility is a frequent reproductive health problem in this environment. Abnormalities of seminal fluid may be found in up to 60% of infertile couples. Various factors are known to be responsible for seminal fluid abnormalities. Local studies on this very important health problem are few.


Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of male contribution to infertility in North Eastern Nigeria and the factors responsible.


Study Design, Setting and Subjects: A descriptive study of 704 males with abnormal seminal fluid profile who were investigated at a university teaching hospital over a 12-month period. Relevant past medical history, physical examination and investigation results were extracted from the patients' case records.


Results: A total of 1201 seminal fluid analyses were conducted during the study period. Abnormalities were detected in the seminal fluid of 704 (58.6%) patients. Male factors were the only identifiable cause of infertility in 70% of the cases. Azoospermia (12.8%) and oligozoospermia (26.8%) were the most frequent semen abnormalities found. Varicocoele (13.9%), previous groin surgery (16.8%) and chronic urethritis and/or male accessory gland infection (5.5%) were the main associated clinical findings in the patients.


Conclusion: Male factor contributes significantly to infertility in this environment. The treatment of infertility using conventional methods have very low success rates while recent technologies are expensive and not readily available in this environment. It is therefore necessary for us to understand the various factors that contribute to male infertility in our environment so as to develop preventive strategies.

(Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: 2001, 18(2): 87-90)

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eISSN: 0189-5117