Male infertility and endocrinopathies in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Endocrinologic disorders and infertility are common all over the world; the prevalence of infertility is high in sub-Saharan Africa. Several authors have suggested that the increased incidence of infertility in Africa is due to high prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. To evaluate the contributions of endocrine abnormalities to infertility in the male in Kano, Northern Nigeria. METHODS A total of five hundred males, aged between 28 and 56 years were evaluated over a period of 4 years (2001-2004). The hormones were analyzed using electrochemiluminescene immunoassay technique. RESULTS Hormonal abnormalities were detected in 22% oligospermic, 40.7% severe oligospermic, and 42.7% azoospermic subjects. CONCLUSION Endocrine abnormalities are common in the infertile males. The reason for the observed endocrinopathies is not known, appropriate laboratory investigations are essential for effective patients management. Further study to ascertain the cause(s) of hormonal derangements is suggested.