A population-based study of the epidemiology and the risk factors for male infertility in Kuwait

Abstract

Purpose: Infertility has become one of the foremost public health concerns, affecting a large number of couples. This research aimed to study and analyze the epidemiological data of male infertility including demographic characteristics and potential accountable factors. Materials and Methods: A population-based study was carried out among male patients of one center. Different factors have been investigated such as family history, smoking, and varicocele. Data were analyzed using the STATA statistical software package. Results: A total of 608 male patients aged between 22 and 56 years were included. Out of them, there were 544 (89.95%) married, 48 (7.9%) married more than once, and 10 (1.6%) divorced. Primary infertility was noted in 478 (78.6%) patients. The most commonly reported sexual disorder was erectile dysfunction 53 (8.7%), while decreased libido was detected in 8 (1.3%) patients. Varicocele was present among 507 (86%) patients. Semen analyses of infertile patients revealed that 43 (8.2%) cases had normal semen tests. In contrast, oligoasthenospermia was the most commonly reported semen abnormality 158 (30.2%). A total of 198 patients underwent assisted reproductive technique. Conclusion: This study concluded that primary infertility is the most common type among all infertile male patients who visited our center. The risk factors of male infertility include positive family history, smoking, and varicocele.

Keywords

• male infertility
• smoking
• varicocele