Characterization of sperm cells in infertile male subjects in southwest Nigeria

Sperm characteristics are used as proxy to estimate or gain insight into the underlying causes of male infertility. The aim of the study was to characterize sperm cells in infertile males in South-West Nigeria. This is a cross-sectional study involving 92 male subjects, grouped as 35 fertile males (control) and 57 infertile males (test subjects). The subjects, who volunteered, were attendees of Fertility Clinics in Lagos Metropolis, Lagos, Nigeria. Semen specimens were collected and analyzed with computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) in conjunction with WHO guidelines for semen preparation and examination. Raw data obtained from the measurements, were subjected to statistical analysis using GraphPad Prism Version 5.03 (San Diego, California, USA). Results were expressed as percentage. The results revealed sperm cells in the infertile subjects as following: (a) based on sperm counts; the sperm cells were oligospermia and azoospermia with prevalence of 54 (79%) and 12 (21%) respectively. (b) Based on sperm cell morphology: the sperm cells were 14 (25%) oligoasthenoteratospermia, 12 (21%) teratospermia, 9 (16%) oligoasthenospermia; 9 (16%) oligoteratospermia, 5 (8%) asthenospermia, 4 (7%) asthenoteratospermia and 4 (7%). Cryptospermia.  (c) Based on ejaculatory volume; 14 (24.5%) hypovolaemia, 2 (3.5%) hypervolaemic, and 41 (72%) normovolaemia, (d) Based on viscosity: 53 (93 %) Normoviscosity, and 4 (7%) hyperviscocity. In conclusion, Infertility in the studied population was caused by high percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology.