Prevalences of oligozoospermia and azoospermia in male part- ners of infertile couples from different parts of India

Abstract Aim: To determine whether there was any regional variation in the prevalence of azoospermia, oligozoospermia and mean sperm counts in male partners of infertile couples from different parts of India. Methods: Data on 16 714 semen samples analyzed over the past five years from six different laboratories located in five cities of India were collated and evaluated. Results: There was a regional variation in the prevalence of azoospermia. The prevalence of azoospermia was extremely high in Kurnool and Jodhpur (38.3 % and 37.4 %, respectively). There was also a regional variation in the prevalence of oligozoospermia (51 %) in Kurnool. There was no significant difference in the mean sperm counts in normospermic men. Conclusion: There is a regional variation in the prevalence of azoospermia and oligozoospermia in the male partners of infertile couples from different regions of India. The prevalence of azoospermia in Kurnool and Jodhpur is higher than any other worldwide reported literature. Further studies need to be carried out to determine the cause of this. (Asian J Androl 2006 Jan; 8: 89-93