Prevalence and Determinants of Female Infertility in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan: A Case-Control Study

Background: Infertility is a most important issue that impacts individuals around the globe, its origin and significance may differ depending on geographical location and socio-economic status. The current study aims to investigate the prevalence and determinants of primary and secondary female infertility in Pakistan. Methodology: A case-control study was conducted from March 2022-August 2022 using questionnaires and interviews in private hospitals located in Rahim yar khan, Pakistan. A separate fertility clinic for outdoor patients is present in the hospital in which Infertile group (n=136) from the infertility clinic and Controls (n= 357) from the prenatal clinic were enrolled. Results: In the present study, infertility was found to be 18.67% in the sample of 493 women of reproductive age who reported inability to conceive, in which 65.4% were primarily infertile while 34.5% had secondary infertility. Primary female infertility risk factors were Gynecological issues, menstrual problems, hormonal disorders, polycystic ovarian syndrome, living status, weight gain history, family history of infertility, malnutrition, and menstrual irregularity. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, cesarian section, and ovulation disorder were more common risk factors, while age (> 30 years), overweight, and obesity were more commonly attributed factors of female infertility. Conclusion: This research revealed the potential to increase public health and hospital-based health promotion initiatives for attributed risk factors. Therefore, identifying modifiable risk factors for female infertility will help prevent, early detect, and treat medical conditions that can threaten fertility and promote healthy behaviors that can preserve it.