T&T’s Male  Infertility Rate  Rises

New research shows there is an unusually high rate of male infertility in T&T which is way and above the international average. According to a study conducted by the T&T IVF & Fertility Centre, 34 per cent of males in T&T have a low sperm count. This rate is considerably higher than the international average which is between 17 and 18 per cent according to the study. 

These findings were shared yesterday during the first Caribbean Male Infertility Symposium hosted by T&T IVF and the University of the West Indies at the Carlton Savannah Hotel, St Ann’s. The T&T IVF study was conducted between 2009 and 2011 during which 663 sperm samples were collected. Results of the study were compared to international figures from Australia, Finland, Italy and USA. 

The research showed that the local prevalence of males with no sperm—a condition called azoospermia—was also higher than international averages. In T&T, the percentage of males with azoospermia is 9.4 per cent which is double the international average of 4-4.9 per cent. Further results from the study showed that the male partner was the cause of the problem for one in three couples assessed at the T&T IVF clinic for infertility. 

Additionally, one in every six couples has trouble conceiving in T&T. Dr Catherine Minto-Bain, T&T IVF medical director said the causes of male infertility remained largely unknown. “We really don’t know what the actual causes are underneath. Sperm research around the world is very a vibrant and exciting field and there’s a lot to be found out whether it’s genetic, whether it’s environmental, whether it really truly is just the way we live our lives,” she said. 

Minto-Bain added, however, that there are some known factors which negatively impact sperm count such as diets high in saturated fats and alcohol, nicotine and marijuana abuse. She said there does not appear to be any link to career. “We don’t think that it’s related to industry and it seems to be across ethnic and social groups,” she added. 

The problem of male infertility exists throughout the Caribbean but there are few research projects examining the issue according to Minto-Bain. T&T IVF currently has ongoing studies to examine possible causes of male infertility in T&T. A project focused on treatment is also in the works. Prof Christopher Barratt of University of Dundee in the UK, said discussions would be held over the next few days about various ways to treat low sperm count.  

Barratt said one example of treatment was stimulating sperm with drugs. He added that local herbs could be added to the treatment regiment once they were scientifically vetted. Barratt was a feature speaker at the symposium where he discussed advancements to managing male infertility. 

“We really don’t know what the actual causes are underneath,” she said. “Sperm research around the world is very a vibrant and exciting field and there’s a lot to be found out whether it’s genetic, whether it’s environmental, whether it really truly is just the way we live our lives.” Minto-Bain added, however, that there are some known factors which negatively impact sperm count such as diets high in saturated fats and alcohol, nicotine and marijuana abuse. She said there does not appear to be any link to career. 

“We don’t think that it’s related to industry and it seems to be across ethnic and social groups,” she added. The problem of male infertility exists throughout the Caribbean but there are few research projects examining the issue according to Minto-Bain. T&T IVF has ongoing studies to examine possible causes of male infertility in T&T. 

A project focused on treatment is also in the works. Prof Christopher Barratt, of University of Dundee in the UK, said discussions would be held over the next few days about various ways to treat low sperm count. He said one example of treatment was stimulating sperm with drugs. He added that local herbs could be added to the treatment regiment once they were scientifically vetted. Barratt was a feature speaker at the symposium where he discussed advancements to managing male infertility.