Incidence and impact of hyperviscosity on sperm parameters of Malawian men seeking assisted reproduction

BACKGROUND: Seminal hyperviscosity has been shown to be associated with male infertility. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hyperviscosity in semen of Malawian males seeking infertility treatment. METHODS: A total of 120 men visiting our laboratory for fertility assessment donated semen samples. The semen samples were assessed for hyperviscosity, volume, concentration, total motility, progressive motility, viability, and morphology. RESULTS: Out of the 120 samples analyzed, 34 samples were hyperviscous representing 28.3%. No significant statistical difference in semen volume between samples with normal viscosity compared to those with hyperviscosity (p>0.05). Sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility, viability, and normal morphology were significantly higher in the normal viscosity group when compared to the abnormal viscocity group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Hyperviscosity affects a significant number of men in Malawi and may be the cause of decreased fertility as it was associated with poor sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility, viability, and morphology.