Patterns of semen analysis in infertile couples at tertiary care center

It is widely accepted that male factor alone accounts for 40% cases of infertility. Careful examination of seminal parameters is an important diagnostic tool to know the possible causes of infertility in males. The present study was aimed at accessing seminal parameters according to WHO Guidelines 2010 to evaluate the seminal patterns in male partner of infertile couples. Total 40 consecutive semen samples from male partners of the infertile couple attending the Outpatient Department over a period of ten months were studied. Semen was collected by conventional method and analysis was done manually for volume, viscosity, sperm concentration, motility, vitality and sperm morphology as per WHO Guidelines 2010. Maximum number of infertile males were found in the age group of 30-39 years (55%). Mean age was found to be 31.1 years. Semen analysis was normal in 55% of cases. The dominant abnormality found was oligozoospermia (30%) followed by asthenozoospermia (27.5%). Azoospermia was found in 10% of cases. Abnormal results of semen analysis serve as significant contributory factor in male infertility. It still stands as the most fundamental test which is non-invasive, cost effective and fairly reliable. However more tests, follow up and elaborate studies are required to establish the diagnosis of infertility.