Causes and associated factors with male infertility among couples visiting infertility/andrologist clinics

Authors

Abstract

Introduction: Infertility is a global public health issue, affecting couples worldwide. The WHO defines infertility as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Male infertility accounts for 50% of cases and is influenced by various physiological, environmental, and lifestyle factors. This descriptive study aimed to identify the causes and associated factors of male infertility among couples visiting infertility/andrology clinics in Indore from 2016-2017. Methodology: An exploratory descriptive design was used, with 90 male participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via structured questionnaires covering socio-demographic, personal, medical, surgical, and psychological aspects. Physiological and biochemical parameters were assessed to determine specific causes of infertility. Results: The common causes identified were azoospermia, oligospermia, asthenospermia, mixed pathology, and low semen volume. Tobacco use showed a significant association with male infertility (χ2 = 17.45, p < 0.05), while no significant associations were found with other factors such as age, occupation, or medical history. Participants often had a history of smoking or environmental pollutant exposure. Discussion: The study emphasizes the multifactorial nature of male infertility, highlighting the influence of physiological factors and lifestyle choices, particularly tobacco use. Comprehensive interventions addressing both medical and lifestyle factors are recommended for better fertility outcomes.

Keywords: Male infertility, Azoospermia, Oligospermia, Asthenospermia. Mixed pathology, Less volume. 

Keywords:

Male infertility, Azoospermia, Oligospermia, Asthenospermia, Mixed pathology, Less volume

DOI

https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v15i3.7008

Author Biographies

Pratibha Turiya Raghuwanshi , PG Scholar, MSc Nursing, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nursing, Choithram College of Nursing, Indore, MP, India

PG Scholar, MSc Nursing, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nursing, Choithram College of Nursing, Indore, MP, India

Merlin Raj Kanwal , Professor, HOD Obstetrics and Gynaecological Department, IIMS College of Nursing, SAIMS, Indore, MP, India

Professor, HOD Obstetrics and Gynaecological Department, IIMS College of Nursing, SAIMS, Indore, MP, India

References

1. WHO, Infertility prevalence estimates, 1990-2021, ISBN 978-92-4-006831-5. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility

2. NICE, Fertility problems: assessment and treatment, 20 Feb 2013. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg156/resources/fertility-problems-assessment-and-treatment-35109634660549

3. Leaver RB, Male infertility: An overview of causes and treatment options, British Journal of Nursing, 2016; 25(18):S35-S40. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2016.25.18.S35 PMid:27734725

4. Vayena E, Rowe PJ, Peterson HB, Assisted reproductive technology in developing countries: why should we care? Fertil Steril, 2002 Jul; 78(1):13-5. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0015-0282(02)03177-1 PMid:12095483

5. Boivin J, Bunting L, Collins JA, Nygren KG, International estimates of infertility prevalence and treatment-seeking: potential need and demand for infertility medical care, Hum Reprod, 2007 Jun; 22(6):1506-12. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dem046 PMid:17376819

6. American Pregnancy Association, Male Infertility, 2017. Available from: https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/infertility/male-infertility/

7. Krausz C, Escamilla AR, Chianese C, Genetics of male infertility: from research to clinic, Reproduction, 2015 Nov; 150(5):R159-74. https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-15-0261 PMid:26447148

8. Agarwal A, Mulgund A, Hamada A, Chyatte MR, A unique view on male infertility around the globe, Reprod Biol Endocrinol, 2015 Apr 26; 13:37. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-015-0032-1 PMid:25928197 PMCid:PMC4424520

9(I). Times of India, Infertility on the rise among Indian men, August 25, 2021. Available from: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Infertility-on-the-rise-among-Indian-men/articleshow/15654430.cms?utm

9(II). Balawender K, Orkisz S, The impact of selected modifiable lifestyle factors on male fertility in the modern world, Cent European J Urol, 2020; 73(4):563-568. https://doi.org/10.5173/ceju.2020.1975

10. Harlev A, Agarwal A, Gunes SO, Shetty A, du Plessis SS, Smoking and Male Infertility: An Evidence-Based Review, World J Mens Health, 2015 Dec; 33(3):143-60. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.2015.33.3.143 PMid:26770934 PMCid:PMC4709430

11. Punab M, Poolamets O, Paju P, Vihljajev V, Pomm K, Ladva R, Korrovits P, Laan M, Causes of male infertility: a 9-year prospective monocentre study on 1737 patients with reduced total sperm counts, Hum Reprod, 2017 Jan; 32(1):18-31. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dew284 PMCid:PMC5165077

Published

2025-03-15
Statistics
Abstract Display: 261
PDF Downloads: 364
PDF Downloads: 37

How to Cite

1.
Raghuwanshi PT, Kanwal MR. Causes and associated factors with male infertility among couples visiting infertility/andrologist clinics. J. Drug Delivery Ther. [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 15 [cited 2026 Jan. 29];15(3):21-9. Available from: https://www.jddtonline.info/index.php/jddt/article/view/7008

How to Cite

1.
Raghuwanshi PT, Kanwal MR. Causes and associated factors with male infertility among couples visiting infertility/andrologist clinics. J. Drug Delivery Ther. [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 15 [cited 2026 Jan. 29];15(3):21-9. Available from: https://www.jddtonline.info/index.php/jddt/article/view/7008