Male infertility in Zimbabwe.

OBJECTIVES

There are very few studies on male infertility in sub-Saharan Africa. Sub-Saharan countries tend not to research male infertility because of economic reasons and, possibly, the psychological denial of the problem.

METHODS

The participants in the present study were 311 men with infertility problems who had been referred to the Andrology Clinic of the University of Zimbabwe. They were investigated by means of a clinical interview, a clinical examination, semen analysis and various endocrine tests.

RESULTS

It was found that 78% of the respondents had ever had a sexually transmitted disease. Most of the respondents reported that their infertility caused them stress and reported signs of mild depression. Most men mentioned also to seek treatment based on traditional methods. Men blamed that their wife was the reason of their childlessness.

CONCLUSION

This study shows the importance of understanding both the cultural and the medical aspects of male infertility. Male infertility is a significant medical and psychological problem in Zimbabwe.

PRACTICE IMPLICATION

Men should promptly be diagnosed and treated for STIs. Health education and teaching people about STDs and HIV in general about this are essential to the process of preventing male infertility.