Determinants of Primary Infertility among Women of Reproductive Age Group in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background: Infertility is an emerging public health issue. However there are sparse data on the prevalence of primary infertility in India, especially from Southern parts of India. Hence a sincere attempt has been made to describe the prevalence of primary infertility and associated socio-demographic factors among women of reproductive age group in a tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Material and Methods: Cross sectional study in a tertiary Care Maternity Hospital, Hyderabad Results: Prevalence of Primary Infertility was 132 (10.71%) and was significantly more in the Upper middle class (43.18%) (Chi square 22.82 p value 0.0001) and among Hindus (52.3%). Mean age at menarche (14.11 yrs), Mean age at first sexual activity (19.32) and mean number of unprotected sexual acts in the previous three months (36.69) was significantly higher in women with primary infertility while mean years of marriage (8.31) significantly higher in fertile women. Women with abnormal vaginal discharge were at decreased odds of infertility, where as women with genital ulcer, HSV 2 antibodies and syphilis were at increased odds of infertility compared to others. Conclusions: Primary infertility is increasing and is emerging as a new public health problem which needs immediate attention before it goes out of hand.

Keywords

• Infertility
• primary
• women
• reproductive
• sexual act
• fertility rate