Prevalence of Infertility and Its Causes in the Population of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: To determine the prevalence of infertility and its causes in the study population of Pakistan

Study design: Cross sectional study

Place and duration: This study was carried out at Sharif Postgraduate Medical Institute/Sharif Medical city Hospital Lahore, Pakistan from June 2019 to July 2020.

Methodology: A total of 2657 patients visited in OPD during the duration of study period, among them a total of 186 participants with infertility were included in the study. Patients were examined and investigated according to standard protocol. All the patients were investigated for Prolactin level on the 21^st day of cycle, abdominal and pelvic ultrasound were also done. A total of 42 (22.58) patients underwent laparoscopy. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) was done in 30 (16.12%) patients.

Results: Out of 2657 patients total 186 (7%) were infertile. Ultrasound, Laparoscopy, and HSG revealed different causes of infertility. About 39 (20.96%) of the cases were related to male infertility, 43 (23.11%) patients were identified with ovulatory failure, 10 (5.37%) patients had sexual dysfunction, 3 (1.61%) had mucus hostility, 48 (25.80%) had normal pelvis, 28 (15.08%) had a tubal blockage, 2 (1.07%) had Tubo-ovarian masses, and 13 (6.98%) participants were diagnosed with Endometriosis.

Conclusion: Infertility is a common issue in the population under study. Female infertility was more common than male infertility. Ovulatory failure was the most common cause of female infertility. Proper diagnosis and management of the root factor can potentially treat infertility and can help in conception.