DOI: N/A
Azam I, Choudhury SF, Faizah M, Chowdhury FTT, Yeasmin L, Nurunnabi M
Background: Infertility is a major global public health problem affecting about one in six couples and is associated with significant medical, psychological, and social consequences. Male factors contribute substantially to infertility, accounting for around 20% of cases and up to 50% when combined with female factors, yet it remains underdiagnosed in many developing countries, including Bangladesh.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical patterns, and determinants of male infertility among infertile couples in Sylhet, Bangladesh.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 233 male partners of infertile couples attending in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sylhet Women’s Medical College Hospital from November 2025 to April 2026. Participants were selected purposively based on predefined criteria. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire and supplemented with clinical examination and semen analysis reports.
Results: The mean age of participants was predominantly 30–40 years (59.2%), and most were urban residents (58.8%) with middle-income status. More than half were smokers (54.5%) and 48.5% were overweight or obese. Diabetes (22.7%) and hypertension (20.6%) were common comorbidities. Abnormal semen parameters were found in 23.6% of participants, with asthenozoospermia (8.6%) being the most frequent abnormality followed by azoospermia (5.6%). Significant determinants of male infertility included overweight/obesity (OR=2.24, p=0.012), diabetes mellitus (OR=1.98, p=0.037), hypertension (OR=2.10, p=0.026), sexually transmitted diseases (OR=10.67, p<0.001), varicocele (OR=2.78, p=0.004), and testicular trauma (OR=2.09, p=0.049). Smoking, alcohol consumption, and occupational exposure showed increased odds but were not statistically significant.