An epidemiological study of infertility among urban population of Ambala, Haryana

Abstract

Infertility affects relatively large number of couple both globally as well as in India. There are sparse data on the prevalence of infertility in India. This study describes the correlates and prevalence of infertility among couples in Ambala, India. This study is a cross sectional study done in the urban field practice area of M. M. Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, during January 2013 to December 2013. Couples having infertility were identified using WHO definition by house to house survey and interviewed to know various epidemiological correlates including demographic characteristics, etiology and treatment if taken for the same. There were total of 4456 eligible couples and 534 were found to be having primary or secondary infertility. The study showed that among eligible couples prevalence of primary infertility was 6.1%, while secondary infertility was 5.7%. Among couples with primary infertility male factors were responsible in 49(17.95%), female factors in 86(31.5%) & both partners were accountable in 66(22.34%) while 77(28.21%) couple cause of infertility was unexplained. In women with primary infertility ovulatory factor was commonest cause while in secondary infertility tubal blockage & pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) were equally responsible. It was concluded that this study has provided significant information concerning the prevalence of infertility in our area & has informed about different demographical & etiological factors associated with infertility.