Male contribution to infertility in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

This is a retrospective study of 350 cases of male partners of infertile couples who presented at the gynaecological and urological units of Ife State Hospital branch of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital complex Ile-Ife, Nigeria within a five year (1993-1997) period. Of the 350 cases reviewed, 200 (57.6%) had normal seminal fluid parameters while 27.7% had oligozoospermia and 15.2% had azoospermia. The age and past history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) had significant effect on the result of seminal fluid analysis (p < 0.05 respectively) while the occupational status had no significant effect (p > 0.05). Most of the infertile couple presented with secondary infertility (62%) with a significant past history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (p < 0.05). Efforts directed to the prevention of STDs should be pursued vigorously by health care providers. Education of the populace on responsible sexual habits cannot be overemphasized.