Prevalence and Aetiology of Infertility Among Couples Presenting at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, North Central Nigeria

Infertility affects approximately one in six Nigerian couples and carries profound psychological, social, and economic burdens, yet the aetiology-specific prevalence of infertility in North Central Nigeria is poorly characterised. This study examines the prevalence, aetiological distribution, and clinical workup findings among couples presenting with infertility at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. A cross-sectional descriptive design is applied to 250 consecutively presenting infertile couples over a 12-month study period. Female evaluation includes pelvic ultrasound, hormonal profile (FSH, LH, AMH, prolactin, thyroid function), hysterosalpingography, and laparoscopy where indicated. Male evaluation includes semen analysis using WHO 2021 criteria. The couple's duration of infertility, parity history, prior sexually transmitted infections, and uterine fibroid history are recorded. SPSS is used for analysis. Available reproductive medicine literature from North Central Nigeria identifies tubal factor infertility in women (35 to 45 percent of cases) and abnormal semen parameters in men (30 to 40 percent) as the most frequent aetiologies, with bilateral causation in approximately 20 percent of couples. The WHO Infertility Classification System guides aetiological categorisation. Findings will support the unit in developing a structured fertility investigation protocol and patient education curriculum. Keywords: infertility, aetiology, semen analysis, Abuja, North Central Nigeria.