Serum and Seminal Fluid Zinc Concentrations among Infertile Men with Oligozoospermia at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital
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Date
2026-03-22
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Society of Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria (SECAN)
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.
Description
Self funded
Keywords
Infertility, Micronutrient, Oligozoospermia, Seminal Fluid Analysis, Zin
Citation
Gwadabe, S.M., Jimoh, O., Okesina, B., Musa, M., Suleiman, M., Ibrahim, A., Giwa, H., Ibrahim, N., Mohammed-Nasir, R., & Mohammed, H. (2026). Serum and Seminal Fluid Zinc Concentrations among Infertile Men with Oligozoospermia at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. Journal of Experimental and Clinical Anatomy, 23(1), 76–81