FREQUENCY OF COMMON INFERTILITY CAUSES IN PATIENTS ATTENDING INFERTILITY CLINIC AT CIVIL HOSPITAL KARACHI

Abstract

Objective:
To determine the frequency of causes of infertility in infertile couples attending the infertility clinic of Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi.
Methodology:
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Infertility Clinic of Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi, from January 2024 to June 2024. A total of 323 infertile couples were included, with female partners aged 22–40 years, male partners aged 25–55 years, and a marital duration of > 1 year. The study focused on key infertility causes, including male factors, ovulatory disorders, fallopian tube disorders, and endometriosis. Data collection involved detailed clinical histories, while diagnostic evaluations included semen analysis and ultrasound assessments. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0.
Results:
The study included 323 couples, with mean ages of 33.24±5.071 years for husbands and 27.25±4.355 years for wives. Most of the couples (83.3%) had been married for 1–6 years, with 57.6% experiencing primary infertility and 42.4% secondary infertility.Ovulatory disorders were the most common female factor (49.8% in women aged 22–30 years and 56.3% aged >30 years, O.R. 0.772, p=0.411). Fallopian tube disorders (14.2% vs. 29.2%) and endometriosis (16.4% vs. 6.3%) showed significant age-related differences (O.R. 0.401, p = 0.010) & (O.R. 2.935, p = 0.047). Male factor infertility affected 17.3% of men aged 25–35 years and 14.3% aged >35 years (O.R.1.256, p=0.564).
Conclusion:
The findings of this study indicated that primary infertility was the most prevalent type, and ovulatory disorders was the most common female factor, followed by fallopian tube disorders and endometriosis, both of which had a significant association with age. Male factor infertility was less common, and age did not contribute significantly. This highlights the need for thorough assessments of both partners to guide focused and effective infertility treatment.
Keywords:
Endometriosis, Fallopian tube disorders, Infertility, Ovulatory disorders, Male factor