Selected risk factors and pattern of semen abnormality in male partners of infertile couples in eastern Nepal: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Semen analysis is an initial basic step in evaluating and diagnosing male infertility. Multiple risks factors in combination or alone are responsible for abnormal semen parameters. The present study aimed to study certain risk factors and semen parameters of infertile male. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. We consecutively enrolled 186 male partners of infertile couple who underwent certain risk factors evaluation and semen analysis according to WHO guideline. Results: Multiple risk factors were present like Gulf country migration, smoking, chemical exposure and heat exposure in infertile male partners. Forty six percent of our patients were gulf workers. Eleven percent patients had azoospermia, 27% had abnormal sperm morphology and 23% had <25% motile spermatozoa. Conclusions: Surprisingly 46% of our patients were Gulf country workers and abnormal semen analysis is very important factor for infertility. Large prospective studies need to be carried out involving Gulf migrant workers only.