A decline in sperm quality among men seeking fertility treatment in the State of Pahang: is this a worrying trend?

• Main Authors: Abd. Wahab, Azantee Yazmie, Ramli, Roszaman, Zainuddin, Ahmad Murad, Mohd Yatim, Hayati, Md. Ariffin, Norsina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Obstetrical & Gynaecological Society of Malaysia 2010
• Subjects: RG Gynecology and obstetrics
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/1799/1/A_Decline_in_sperm_quality_among_men.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/1799/; http://www.ogsm.org.my/mjog.php

Introduction: Semen analysis is considered the most important indicator of male infertility. Studies demonstrated that semen quality has declined in the past decades. Factors such as age, smoking, occupation and lifestyle could affect semen quality dramatically. Objectives: To analyze factors associated with semen quality among men who came for fertility treatment at IIUM Fertility Centre, Kuantan, Pahang. Methodology: A retrospective review of data on semen quality collected in a single laboratory from 2006 to 2009 according to World Health Organization guidelines. The sperm concentration, volume of seminal fluid, and the percentage of motile sperm were analyzed from the first semen sample of 480 men who underwent seminal fluid analysis (SFA). The results were divided into four groups; azoospermia (n=33), severe oligozoospermia (n=53), mild- moderate oligozoospermia (n=70) and normal count (n=324). Factors associated with the semen quality were also analyzed. Results: 30% of the subjects has low sperm count (n= 156/480). There was a decline in sperm quality with an increasing trend of azoospermia, severe oligozoospermia, and oligozoospermia; and reducing trend of normozoospermia in the study period. The men’s age was a significant factor for a decline in sperm count (p=0.005) and motility (p=0.001) while smoking has decreased the sperm count in oligozoospermia (p=0.034). Conclusion: It appears that there is a decline in semen quality for men seeking treatment at IIUM fertility centre. Age and smoking are the most significant factors associated with reduced semen quality.