Semen Characteristics of Male Infertile Couples in the Kumasi Metropolis: A Study of Primary and Secondary Infertile Couples

Abstract

Aims: To assess the semen characteristics of primary and secondary male infertile couples in the Kumasi metropolis. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi; between February 2012 and May 2013. Methodology: The study involved 150 men whose female partners reported to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Komfo Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Ashanti Region of Ghana for infertility treatment. Semen of the respondents were examined for various characteristics (viscosity, pH, volume, presence of RBC and bacteria, motility, etc). Results: Eighty-eight partners involved in the study representing 59% of total respondents were partners of primary infertile couples whereas 41% were partners of secondary infertile couples. Semen abnormalities were reported in terms of sperm motility, sperm concentration, pH and presence of bacteria and these were significantly different among primary and secondary infertile couples. Conclusion: Sperm abnormalities influence infertility among males of infertile couples. There is the urgent need to include male partners in the screening, detection and treatment of infertility among couples.