WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Asmaa Mohammed Sabr and Wijdan Akram Hussein

ABSTRACT

Background: Secondary male infertility occurs when a father, after previously conceiving naturally, experiences reproductive health issues that prevent further conception. Aims of Study: This study aims to assess the effect of lifestyle factors on sperm quality in secondary infertile men and determine the association between seminal fluid indicators and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 males with secondary infertility at the Urological Outpatient Clinic of Baghdad Teaching Hospital/Medical City and the High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technology/Al-Nahrain University. The study period was from February 1 to August 31, 2024, using a convenience sampling method. Results: Abnormal sperm morphology was significantly associated with older age (44.8%), obesity (54%), longer marriage duration (42.1%), and previous mumps infection (71.4%). Low pH levels were more prevalent among obese men (64.3%), military personnel (92.9%), and workers such as bakers, drivers, and farmers (92.7%). Low sperm count was significantly higher in men with varicocele (37%). Active sperm count declined with age, while mildly immotile sperm increased. Conclusion: Factors predicting poor seminal fluid quality in secondary infertile men included advanced age, high BMI, alcohol consumption, military or baking occupations, diabetes mellitus, varicocele, mumps history, prior surgeries, and longer infertility duration. Addressing these risk factors could improve reproductive outcomes in affected individuals.