Investigation of Sperm Count and Motility as a Cause of Male Infertility in District Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Infertility is a major global public health concern affecting millions of couples worldwide. Male-related factors contribute to approximately half of all infertility cases, with abnormalities in semen parameters, including sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, representing major contributors to male infertility. District Malakand, like many regions of Pakistan, lacks comprehensive data on patterns of male infertility and associated semen abnormalities. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate sperm-related causes of male infertility among infertile men in District Malakand by evaluating key semen parameters, including sperm count, motility, morphology, and viability. Methodology: A total of 19 infertile males from five families were enrolled in the study. Semen samples were collected under standardized laboratory conditions and analyzed in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The evaluated parameters included semen volume, sperm count, motility, morphology, viability, and the presence of pus cells. Results: The results revealed considerable variation in semen quality among the affected individuals. Azoospermia was observed in 29.6% of infertile males, indicating complete absence of sperm in semen. Oligospermia characterized by reduced sperm concentration was identified in 22.2% of individuals. Normospermia with functional impairment was detected in 51.8% of cases, suggesting that normal semen parameters do not always guarantee fertility. Morphological abnormalities were identified in 18.5% of individuals. Conclusion: Abnormalities in sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and viability were strongly associated with infertility in the studied population. Comprehensive semen analysis is essential for the accurate assessment and diagnosis of male infertility. Further clinical and molecular investigations are warranted to better understand the underlying factors contributing to male infertility in this population.