Endocrinol Metab Int J 2014, 1(1): 00003 Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com Endocrinology & Metabolism International Journal Abbrevations FSH: Follicle Stimulating Hormones; LH: Luteinizing Hormone; ICSI: Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection; IVF: In Vitro Fertilization; WHO: World Health Organization; ISO: International Standard Organization; SEM: Standard Error of the Mean; LHRH: Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone; TESE: Testicular Sperm Extraction Introduction In contemporary medical practice, infertility is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy within one-year duration of regular (evenly spaced 48hours interval) ejaculatory vaginal sexual intercourse without contraception between a man and a woman in the reproductive age [1]. It occurs worldwide but differs in incidence and prevalence. It is a sensitive issue in our The Prevalence and Patterns of Endocrinopathies Amongs Azoospermic Male Partners at a Fertility Clinic in Benin City Research Article Volume 1 Issue 1 - 2014 Uhuonrenren Osaretin Benjamin 1,2 *, Theophilus Iyayi Akhere 1 and A.A.E. Orhue 1,3 1Andrology unit, St. Augustine medical center and assisted reproduction technology unit, Nigeria 2Departments of Human Physiology, University of Benin, Nigeria 3Obstetrics and Gynecology department, The University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria *Corresponding author: Uhuonrenren Osaretin Benjamin, Andrology unit, St. Augustine medical center and assisted reproduction technology unit, Nigeria, Tel: +2348057427876; Email: Received: October 21, 2014| Published: December 22, 2014 environment and a social stigma in many Nigerian cultures. Historically, infertility is considered a woman’s disease. It is only within the last fifty years that the importance of the male factor contribution to infertility has been recognized [2]. Previous research has shown that Male factor infertility represents about 35% of all infertility cases when diagnosis is based on the presence of abnormal parameters on a semen analysis [3]. In Nigeria, male infertility due to poor semen quality contributes to 20-48% of all infertile couples [4-6]. Hence, the investigation and treatment of male factor of infertility is equally as important as the treatment of the female factor. Azoospermia, as a male factor is present in about 1% of all men [7] and in approximately 15% of infertile men [8]. The further evaluation of a patient with azoospermia is important to establish the underlying cause [9-11]. Endocrine disorders has been suggested as a disorder associated with Abstract Aim and Objective: We undertook this study to evaluate the prevalence, trend and patterns of endocrine abnormalities among azoospermic male partners of infertile couples investigated for male infertility in our fertility centre. Setting: A private IVF hospital treating infertility with assisted reproduction technology in Benin City, Nigeria. Methodology: A prospective, observational and a descriptive study of the analysis of the hormonal profile of azoospermic male partners of the infertile couples, who presented at St Augustine Medical center, Benin City, Nigeria over a five-year period from May 2007 through December 2012 was undertaken. Results: A total of 686 men were investigated for infertility within this period, fifty-eight (8.45%) of them with a mean age of 43.72±1.5years were found to be azoospermic. Of the 58 azoospermic men, fourty-eight (82.76%) had one or more abnormal hormonal profile parameter, while ten (17.24%) had a normal hormone profile pattern. Of the forty-eight Azoospermic men with abnormal hormone profile pattern, twenty-two (37.93%) had increased serum FSH and LH, mildly increased prolactin and low testosterone, 15 (25.86%) had increased serum FSH, normal LH and prolactin with reduced testosterone, 4 (6.9%) had increased serum LH, normal FSH and prolactin with reduced testosterone, 2 (3.45%) had low LH, FSH and testosterone with high prolactin while 5 (10.42%) had elevated prolactin levels, normal gonadotrophins (LH & FSH) and low testosterone. Ejaculate volume was normal in 48(82.76%) of the azoospermic men when the mean semen volume was 3.30±0.19mls; and mean serum hormone levels were LH; 9.54 ± 0.89, FSH; 22.77± 2.70, Prolactin; 18.54± 2.50, Testosterone; 3.01 ± 0.22. The ejaculate volume was low in 10 (17.24%) men with a mean semen volume of 0.89±0.07 and mean serum hormone levels; LH; 13.75±3.12, FSH; 23.48±4.45, Prolactin; 15.87±2.46, Testosterone; 3.08±0.46. Conclusion: Endocrinopathies are common among azoospermic male partners of infertile couples in Benin City. The most prevalent pattern of endocrinopathy suggests testicular failure. Majority of men don’t show-up early enough for infertility screening. Azoospermia was most prevalent among business men followed by civil servants. The main reason for the endocrinopathies is not clear, but exposures to certain environmental/occupational factors which can disrupt endocrine function are likely to be contributory. Keywords Prevalence; Endocrinopathies; Azoospermia; Benin City