High prevalence of male infertility in southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Three hundred and fourteen Nigerian couples were evaluated thoroughly for the cause of their infertility in our clinics located at Nnewi and Awka in Southeastern Nigeria. Two hundred and four (65.0%) of them had primary infertility and 110 (35%) had secondary infertility. The median duration of the infertility was 5 years and majority of the female patients (67.2%) were aged between 25 and 34 years. A positive male factor alone was found in 133 (42.4%) couples and female factor alone in 81 (25.8%) couples (P<0.01). Sixty-five (20.7%) couples had a combination of male and female factors, while the cause of infertility was unexplained in 35 (11.1%) couples. Oligozoospermia (35.9%) and asthenozoospermia (32.3%) were the most common aetiological factors responsible for male infertility. Tubal occlusion (49.0%) was the most common cause of female infertility. Genital tract infection resulting from sexual promiscuity and poorly treated sexual transmitted diseases were responsible for these abnormalities. In this part of the world, the wife is commonly blamed whenever there is infertility. However, this study has revealed the greater contribution of male factors to infertility. More attention should be paid to male partners whenever a couple presents for infertility. Men should also be a major target of any intervention aim at prevention.

Prevalence of the Infertility Among Couples in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso): a Population-based Survey

“…In our study the infertile males and females' mean age was 38.7 (95% CI:36.7; 40.7) and 29.9 (95% CI:28.0; 31.7) years respectively. This was comparable to to two Nigerian studies that found a mean age of 39.1±6.0 for the male [9] and 31.1 years for the female partners [10]. Infertility was concentrated among women aged 25 to 34 in Nigeria [10] like in our study.…”

“…The levels of secondary infertility ranged between 7.5-15.3% in Thailand and Vietnam and higher at up to 24% in Pakistan [18]. Studies in Benin, Cameroun and Tanzania found a secondary infertility rates between 7% and 33% and up to 35.0% in Nigeria [10].…”

“…A study in Nigeria [10] found 42.4%, 25.8%, 20.7%, and 11.1%),for male only, female only, both partners and unexplained infertility respectively. Compared to our study, the rates of male and both partners' contribution looked similar while we had a higher contribution of female partners (42.9% (95% CI: 18.3; 71.6)).…”

The Relationship between Duration of Infertility and Intrauterine Insemination: A Multi-Centers Study

“…In addition timing of insemination, number of insemination per cycle may influence the ultimate pregnancy [22]. To maximize the chance of success of IUI, the timing of insemination needs to be closely related to the time of ovulation, ovulation occurred at a mean time of 27.3 hour from onset of LH surge [25].…”

Male Infertility; Evidences, Risk Factors, Causes, Diagnosis and Management in Human

“…In Nigeria and some parts of sub-Saharan Africa including the Republic of Sudan and Cameroon, infertility rate could exceed 30% [3][4][5]. Some studies of South-eastern Nigeria, have demonstrated a 65% and 35% prevalent rate for primary and secondary infertility respectively [6]. Similarly, some countries, most notably Kenya, Gabon, Botswana, Zimbabwe and many other African countries, have shown a trend toward lower fertility [4,[7][8][9].…”