The Prevalence and Patterns of Endocrinopathies Amongs Azoospermic Male Partners at a Fertility Clinic in Benin City

Abstract

A total of 686 men were referred to the Andrology laboratory unit for semen analysis and semen samples were collected in sterile universal plastic containers mostly by masturbation, but in some cases by coitus interruption after 3-5 day abstinence from sexual intercourse and were delivered to the laboratory within 1 hour of collection. Specimen and Sample Analysis We employed the Kruger Strict Criteria approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) to evaluate the following characteristics; semen pH, Semen volume (ml), Sperm count (millions/ml), Motility (%), Viability (%), Sperm morphology or shape (%) and additional semen contents, such as white blood cells, which are an indication of infection. The sperm concentrations were determined by using Markler counting Chamber (Semen Analysis Chamber, ISO 9001:2000, by Sefi Medical Instruments, Heifa, Israel). The Olympus® Binocular microscope with magnification (x10) was used to observe the sperm cells. Those that were found to be azoospermic were further confirmed by examination of the pellet of centrifuged semen sample and a repeat on at least two occasions at eight weeks interval [12]. Blood samples for hormone assay were collected in a plain, sterile container after an over-night abstinence from meat/protein intake and a 1-hour rest. Samples were left for some time to clot and serum extracted by centrifugation at 1000g for 10mins. Serum was stored frozen at -20 0