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

Role of fine needle aspiration cytology in primary tubercular epididymo-orchitis

Tubercular epididymo-orchitis in not uncommon in a highly tuberculosis-prevalent developing country like India. However, it closely mimics a testicular tumor clinically, radiologically, and even serologically. This may lead to an unnecessary orchidectomy. Nevertheless, fine needle aspiration cytology can provide adequate material for cytological and microbiological examination and it helps to avoid unnecessary orchidectomy when there is suspicion of a testicular tumor