Male Infertility As Seen in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital North-Eastern Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Male infertility is a worldwide problem. In Africa it assumes a bigger dimension due to its psychosocial implications. We reviewed the magnitude of the problem and outcome of management. Aim to study the pattern of male infertility, and outcome of its management. Materials and methods: male infertility patients managed at University Teaching HospitalMaiduguri (UMTH) between January 2008 to December 2012 were reviewed. ResultsThere were 73 patients, age ranged from 25-52 years with a mean of 38.35years. The peak age group was 30-39years with 45.20 % of the patients. The duration of the problem varied from months to over 10 years. Twenty five (34.25 %) patients had STD. Co-morbid medical conditions were hypertension in 18 (24.66 %), diabetes 9 (12.33 %). Abnormal findings in the testes were varicoceles in 51 (34.93 %) testes while 7 (4.79 %) were undescended testes. Seminal fluid analysis revealed azospermia in 44 (60.27 %), oligospermia in 26 (35.62 %). Sixty - seven patients had hormonal assay of which 21 (31.34 %) showed low testosterone and 17 (25.37 %) hyperprolactinemia. Forty-nine patients had bilateral testicular biopsy (98 testes) of which 47 (47.96 %) showed complete arrest of spermatogenesis with no viable spermatids. The psychosocial pressure and family problems were, 59 (80.82 %) 0f patients being under pressure from their spouses, with 28 cases of divorce. There were complete response with conception in 19 (26.03 %), partial response in 23 (31.51 %), to failure of treatment in 31 (42.47 %). CONCLUSION: Male infertility is a major concern. Thorough evaluation to identify treatable causes, and referral for those that will benefit from assisted reproductive techniques, gives optimum results.