Frequency of Monthly Ejaculation at Sexual Intercourse, DNA Fragmentation Index and Fertilization Rate among Sperm Donors and Fertility-Challenged Men in Sub-Saharan Africa: Paper 1

Abstract

Introduction: In humans, the ideal ejaculation frequency depends on age, exercise and sexual potential. Natural ejaculation frequency balances the testosterone levels in the body. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from subjects. Semen samples were collected from sperm donors and sub-fertile men who presented for infertility challenges. Processing and analysis of semen samples were done according to World Health Organization guidelines. Sperm DNA fragmentation was evaluated using the Halosperm® kit. Results: A total of 114 subjects, including 19 sperm donors and 95 sub-fertile males were studied. There was a significant difference (t = −5.96, P-value = 0.00001) in the mean [±sd] age of sperm donors (30.8 [8.1]) and that of sub-fertile men (42.3 [76]). There was a significant difference (t= −4.10, P-value = 0.0005) in the mean monthly ejaculation during sexual intercourse (MESI) among sperm donors with DNA fragmentation index < 25% (3.0 [1.0]) compared to those with DNA fragmentation index ≥ 25% (9.3 [5.5]). There was also a significant difference (t= −2.20, P-value = 0.02) in MESI among sub-fertile men aged ≥40 years (8.9 [4.6]) than among those aged <40 years (10.8 [3.8]). Entrepreneurs (59.3%) and non-smokers (84.6%) reported higher frequency (16-20) of MESI than others. There was a significant but negative correlation between frequency of MESI and DNA fragmentation index category (coef.