Male Infertility in Burkina Faso: Epidemiological, Clinical, and Sociocultural Determinants of Delayed Andrological Consultation

Abstract

Introduction: Male infertility remains a neglected public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by significant diagnostic delays due to sociocultural and economic barriers. This study aims to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, and paraclinical profiles of male infertility and to identify factors contributing to delayed consultation at the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital (CHU-YO). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to September 2023, including 111 men evaluated for infertility. Data were collected retrospectively from medical records and supplemented by structured interviews. Statistical analyses were performed using EPI Info 7.2. Results: The hospital prevalence of male infertility was 5.39%. The mean age was 35.87 years; 41.44% were civil servants and 29.73% had no formal education. The mean consultation delay was 50 months. Oligospermia (45%) and azoospermia (32%) were the most frequent sperm abnormalities. A varicocele was detected in 48.65% of patients. The main factors for delay included financial constraints (65.52%), initial consultations with non-specialists (61.25%), and cultural beliefs attributing infertility to women (24.14%). Conclusion: Male infertility in Burkina Faso is associated with significant diagnostic delays influenced by socioeconomic and cultural factors. A multisectoral approach - combining public health, anthropology, and social policies - is essential to improve access to andrological care in resource-limited countries.