Correlation Between Semen Zinc Concentration and Semen Parameters of Infertile Men

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a big problem all over the world. There are different factors in the semen quality which determines the success of fertilization. Zinc is a micronutrient, essential for normal physiology of male reproductive tract. It plays vital role in various biochemical mechanisms. A lot of controversy exists in determining the role of zinc concentration in semen quality. Objective: To find the correlation between semen zinc concentration with sperm count and sperm motility in male patients presenting with infertility. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Settings: Department of Urology, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Duration: 21/11/2016 to 20/5/2017. Methodology: In this study non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used. Informed consent was obtained and demographic details were also noted. Then patients were subjected to semen samples collection by masturbation. Samples were collected at biochemistry department of this hospital. The zinc concentration was determined via Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Then sperm count and sperm motility were also noted. SPSS v20 was used to analyze the collected data and results were generated. Results: A total number of 100 male infertile individuals were included in this study. The mean age of the subjects was 30.48±5.99 years. Primary infertility was noted in 55(55%) patients and secondary infertility was noted in 45(45%) patients. Correlation was also calculated in the patients below the age of 30 years and above the age of 30 years. Strong positive correlation was found between the zinc concentrations with sperm motility. Conclusion: Strong positive relationship was noted among zinc concentration with sperm motility while week positive relationship was noted among zinc concentration with sperm count.