Azoospermia is one of the most serious causes of couple infertility, has a very high prevalence among all causes of infertility and is due to multiple aetiologies.
Objective
to determine the place of azoospermia among the various causes of infertility in Senegal.
Material and methods
141 cases of azoospermia were identified from a series of 492 infertile patients. The clinical profile, laboratory results and outcome after management were studied.
Results
The mean age was 40.6 years. Testicular atrophy was detected in 34.75% of cases. Azoospermia was secretory in 71.69% of cases. A varicocele was associated in 56% of cases. Varicocele repair was performed in 32.62% and allowed an improvement of sperm parameters in 28.3% of cases. Testicular biopsy, performed in 53 cases, demonstrated 2 cases of Sertoli cell syndrome, 3 cases of arrested maturation, 8 cases of hypo spermatogenesis, and 25 cases of seminiferous tubules. Forty nine cases of azoospermia were associated with normal FSH levels. Only one patient was treated by assisted reproductive technologies (ART).