Prevalence of male infertility, characteristics of semen parameters, and endocrine profiles at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre: a five-year retrospective study

Abstract

Purpose: Globally, male infertility is a public health concern. Semen analysis and endocrine profile evaluation are crucial diagnostic tools that uncover factors contributing to infertility. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of male infertility by examining patterns and characteristics of semen parameters and endocrine profiles among men attending the fertility clinic at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in northern Tanzania.

Materials and methods: A descriptive study spanning five years (2017–2022) involved 482 semen samples from men seeking fertility services at KCMC, a zonal referral hospital. Data were sourced from the pathology laboratory registry book, medical records with hospital numbers, and the electronic health management system for demographic details. Endocrine profiles were obtained via data intensive systems and applications. After excluding 229 samples with single semen samples or analyses conducted elsewhere, 253 eligible semen samples were analysed, using privacy-preserving serial numbers for data extraction.

Results: Among the analysed samples, 192 (75.9%) exhibited abnormal semen parameters. Asthenozoospermia was the most common abnormality, present in 125 subjects (49.4%), followed by necrozoospermia, teratozoospermia, and oligozoospermia. Azoospermia was found in 48 subjects (19%). Regarding hormonal profiles, low testosterone (TT) was the most frequent abnormality, affecting 197 (77.9%). High follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were detected in 66 subjects (26.1%), while luteinising hormone (LH) levels were within the normal range for 251 subjects (99.2%). Notably, a significant proportion of subjects (193, 76.3%) with low TT had normal LH levels.

Conclusion: A high prevalence of male infertility was noted through significant findings of semen abnormalities, with a predominance of asthenozoospermia and abnormal endocrine profiles. Most had low TT and normal LH levels.