Distribution of the causes of infertility in men referred to the Besat infertility clinic in Sanandaj City, Iran

BACKGROUND: Infertility, defined as the couple not being able to have children after one year of regular intercourse without any protection, is one of the most critical healthcare issues encountered in all human societies. The mean prevalence of infertility in different communities could range from 8% to 12%. The current study aimed to investigate the frequency distribution of causes of infertility in men referred to the infertility treatment center of Besat Hospital in Sanandaj City, Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a sample of 320 men with infertility from all the infertile men admitted to the infertility clinic of Besat Hospital in 2019 was selected. Using medical records and complementary interviews, the data were documented by completing a pre-designed checklist. The checklist was used to verify demographic information and the medical, surgical, and habitual histories of the patients. The data were then analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS: Among 320 subjects, the mean age was 35.7 years (21-58 years). The mean duration of infertility was 5.4 years (1 to 28 years). Among all patients, 38.44% had no university education, 39.69% were self-employed, 77.12% had primary infertility, and 22.88% had secondary infertility. 69.4% of the patients were smokers, of whom 60% had a history of surgery, most of which was related to varicocele. 68.8% of the patients had a history of impaired sperm morphology. CONCLUSION: Infertility is associated with lifestyle factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, unhealthy environmental exposures, stress, poor nutrition, and harmful environmental toxins, which can negatively affect sperm parameters. Therefore, raising awareness about these harmful components can lead to a reduction in exposure to these factors.