Abnormalities in semen analysis among male partners of infertile couples: a study in a tertiary care level hospital of West Bengal, India

Background: The prevalence of infertility in the general population is 15%-20%. Of this, the male factor is responsible for 20%-40%.Analysis of semen is the most important diagnostic tool for evaluation of role of males in infertility. The study was conducted to determine the abnormalities in semen among male partners in infertile couples.Methods: A descriptive study with cross-sectional design among male partners of infertile couples was conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Pathology at Burdwan Medical College, Burdwan in West Bengal during August 2011 to July 2012. Analysis of semen was done for semen volume, sperm number, sperm motility and presence of other cells.Results: 7.45% samples were of inadequate quantity. 19.87 % of cases had oligozoospermia, 12.42% had azoospermia and 4.35% of males had asthenozoospermia. Pus cells were found in 12.42% cases.Conclusions: Majority of the cases of infertility in males is due to oligozoospermia followed by azoospermia while less sperm motility or less amount of semen are also responsible in some cases

Cytological profile of Pap smears in a tertiary care hospital of West Bengal, India

Background: Among Indian women cancers of cervix and breast account for a very large proportion of malignancies. Majority of the cancer patients present themselves to the doctor at an advanced and incurable stage. Screening for cervical cancer can be done by Pap test which is a very simple and inexpensive test. Early detection and treatment of pre-cancerous conditions and cancers provide the best possible protection against cancer for the individual and the community.Methods: A descriptive study with cross-sectional design was conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Pathology at Bankura Sammilani Medical College, Bankura in West Bengal during January 2014 to December 2014. Analysis of cervical cytology was done for neoplastic cells.Results: Out of 288 smears 8.3% samples were unsatisfactory, 77.9% were without epithelial cell abnormality while 13.8% were abnormal comprising of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) 1.4%, low grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion (LSIL) 8.3%, had high grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion (HSIL) 3.5% and squamous cell carcinoma, and post-radiation effect 0.3% each. Abnormality of smear was significantly associated with age group and religion of the cases (p<0.05).Conclusions: Majority of the cases cervical cytology were reported to be without any epithelial cell abnormality followed by LSIL. Age and religion were significantly associated with the abnormality of smears