Possible role of male factors in recurrent pregnancy loss

Abstract

To evaluate various causes possibly contributing towards recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), particularly male factors. Prospective study of 75 couples with history of RPL who were investigated for genetic, anatomic, immunological, infective and systemic causes in both partners. Functional sperm capacity was assessed by the Hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOS), Acrosomal Reaction (AR), Nuclear condensation-decondensation test (NCD) and Seminal Total Leukocyte Count (TLC) along with semen analysis. Twenty male volunteers with recently proven fertility were also included for detailed sperm morphology and sperm functions test as controls. Amongst male partners 3 (4%) had varicocele, 23 (30.6%) had infection, 1 (1.3%) immunological and 1 (1.3%) had genetic abnormality. Sperm motility, viability and sperm function tests were significantly lower in the RPL group as compared to the control group (P = 0.000). Male factor might be a possible contributing factor towards RPL. Both the partners should be evaluated and treated simultaneously in order to achieve desirable outcome.