Male Infertility in Burkina Faso: Analysis of Epidemiological, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Profiles in a University Hospital

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Résumé

Background: Male infertility remains understudied in sub-Saharan Africa despite
its significant psychosocial impact. This study provides a detailed analysis
of male infertility profiles in Burkina Faso. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective
study was conducted from January 2021 to December 2023, including
203 patients presenting with male infertility. Data including sociodemographic
characteristics, clinical profiles, semen parameters, and therapeutic outcomes
were analyzed. Results: The hospital consultation frequency for male
infertility was 3.24%. The mean age was 36.5 years, with a predominance of
primary infertility (a couple that has never conceived after one year of unprotected
intercourse) (73.89%). Semen analysis revealed oligospermia in 50.24%
of cases and azoospermia in 28.57%. Varicocele was the most frequent clinical
finding (45.3%). Antioxidant therapy resulted in pregnancy in 5.6% of cases.
A sedentary lifestyle showed a significant association with necrospermia (p =
0.002) and abnormalities in sperm concentration (p = 0.001). Conclusion:
Male infertility in Burkina Faso primarily affects young men with severe semen
abnormalities. Modifiable risk factors, particularly sedentary behavior,
appear as crucial targets for prevention strategies.

Mots-clés

Male Infertility, Semen Analysis, Varicocele, Antioxidants