Serum and Seminal Fluid Zinc Concentrations among Infertile Men with Oligozoospermia at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Infertility is a major reproductive health challenge and usually a source of concern for the affected couples. The Sub-Saharan African community is known for its patriarchal nature, where male factor infertility is often under-reported. Seminal fluid analysis (SFA) abnormality is a central factor in male infertility, and deficiency of some micronutrients, like zinc, has been implicated because of their roles in sperm production and functions. Aim: This study aimed to determine the serum and seminal fluid zinc levels among men with oligozoospermia at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 76 men with oligozoospermia at the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Unit of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) Nigeria. The recruited participants had SFA on two occasions, 4 to 6 weeks apart. Their serum and seminal fluid zinc concentrations were determined using spectrophotometry. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, and the results were presented in tables and figures. Results: The mean age of the participants was 38.01 ± 6.38 years, the majority (72.4%) were employed, and a large proportion (89.5%) had a tertiary education. About 78.9% had primary infertility. Mean serum zinc levels were low among participants, but seminal fluid zinc concentration was unaffected. Conclusion: The study reported reduced zinc levels in men with infertility, further supporting the use of this micronutrient for routine supplementation in our fertility clinics. Keywords: Infertility; Micronutrient; Oligozoospermia; Seminal Fluid Analysis; Zinc