Clinical Profile of Patients with Infertility Presenting to Tertiary Care Center: An Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION

Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected sexual activity, is a significant global health concern. It affects couples across the world, with prevalence rates varying between 3.5-16.7% in developed countries and 6.9-9.3% in developing nations. This study aims to explore the sociodemographic profiles and contributing factors in both men and women among infertility patients at a tertiary care center.

METHODS

An observational cross-section study was conducted at a tertiary care center and participants were between 18 and 42 years old with infertility for one year or longer, excluding those who had received treatment or were pregnant. The data was collected from December 2023 to May 2024. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Data were collected using a structure proforma through in-person interviews or telephone calls and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences with descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Among 170 couples with infertility, primary infertility was observed in 124 (72.94%) and secondary infertility in 46 (27.06%). The median duration of marriage was 5 years (IQR: 4-7). Among women, 37 (21.76%) had tubal blockages, 16 (9.41%) had polycystic ovarian disease, and 6 (3.53%) had fibroids. Among men, 58 (34.12%) had semen abnormalities, with oligospermia being the most common in 25 (14.71%). Hormonal analysis revealed that 68 (40%) of women had elevated anti-Müllerian hormone levels, frequently linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that infertility is rarely due to a single cause. It commonly involves both partners and requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment.