Factors Affecting Fertility in Women Visiting Tertiary Care Center of Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Infertility is not merely a health problem; it is also a matter of inequality and social injustice.Though infertility is a medical problem, childlessness is the couple’s problem. This study aims to find out the factors affecting fertility in women reporting to the Infertility Centre.

Methods: This was cross sectional descriptive study conducted in infertility clinic over the duration of one year. All Women attending the infertility clinic during the study period were included. Information was collected and entered in MS word.

Results: There weretotal of 325 cases visiting the infertility clinic during the study period. The prevalence of female infertility was 9.95%.Primary infertility was present in 229(70.46%) women and 96(29.54%) had secondary infertility. Among hormonal factors, 84(25.85%) had abnormal prolactin levels and 51(15.69%) had abnormal Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. Among total 37(11.38%) cases with tubal block, 21(56.80%) women had no history of Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) whereas 65(20%) of infertile women had unexplained infertility.

Conclusion: The infertility among our patients visiting was lower than other reported studies. Primary infertility was common. Most of the cases had normal weight, hormonal profile and mensuration cycle.