Male Factors Associated With Success Following Assisted Reproduction Technology Among Infertile Couples in Ghana.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Andrology

Background:

• Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are vital for infertility treatment, yet male factor contributions to ART success are under-researched, especially in Ghana.
• Existing research on ART success predominantly focuses on female factors, neglecting crucial male partner characteristics beyond standard semen analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between male partner characteristics, including biochemical markers, and clinical pregnancy outcomes in couples undergoing ART in Ghana.
• To identify potential predictors of ART success beyond routine semen parameters.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 198 male partners of women undergoing ART at Chosen Hospital and Fertility Centre.
• Collection of sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, semen, and blood samples (fasting lipids, glucose, CBC, liver/renal function, electrolytes) prior to ART.
• Comparison of baseline variables between male partners whose partners achieved pregnancy versus those who did not.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant higher mean serum chloride level was observed in men whose partners did not achieve pregnancy post-ART (101.3±3.5 mmol/L) compared to those who did (99.9±2.6 mmol/L, P=0.026).
• No significant differences were found in other sociodemographic, anthropometric, hematological, biochemical, or seminal parameters between the two groups.

Conclusions:

• Elevated serum chloride levels in male partners may be detrimental to sperm quality and ART success.
• Routine electrolyte assessment, particularly serum chloride, should be considered for male partners in infertile couples undergoing ART to potentially optimize outcomes.