Pattern of Seminal Fluid Analysis among Infertile Couples in a Secondary Health Facility in South-Eastern Nigeria

Infertility is increasingly becoming a source of concern among married couples in our environment. The contribution of male factor is assuming a tremendous proportion. This study went out to determine the pattern of seminal fluid analysis among male partners who attended infertility clinic at a secondary health facility over a- five year period. A-five year retrospective review of infertility register at Mile four hospital between July 1, 2005 and July 31, 2010 was undertaken.A total of 776 male partners presented to the infertility clinic during the study period, however, 755 met the inclusion criteria and were recruited for the study. Farmers formed the greatest percentage (34.8%). Lecturers were the least (1.1%). 16.3% had normal sperm parameters. 15.8% had oligospermia. As high as 12.3% had aspermia while azoospermia formed 2.6% of cases. Varicocoele was found in 10.0%. Normospermia was highest in the age bracket 26-30 years (26.8%) and lowest in the age range 51-55 years (4.9%). Abnormal sperm parameters affected all occupation and social class. Male factor is increasingly assuming a significant role in the aetiology of infertility in our environment. Male partners should always be evaluated with their female counterparts.