Etiological Factors of Infertility among Couples Visiting Kathmandu Model Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Infertility is one of the major health related concern in developing countries, affecting couples in various aspects of life such as emotional, mental, social, and financial. Hence, knowing about the prevalence and its causative factors can help to estimate its burden in the society and provides insight for proper investigation and management of the infertile couples and to address the major burden of the society. Also knowing about various etiological factors of infertility helps to address them timely with close follow up during antenatal period for better perinatal outcomes.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 134 couples visiting Gynacelogy OPD of a tertiary hospital using pretested structured questionnaire. Non probability convenience sampling was done and the data was analysed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistical method was used for analysis. 
Results: Primary and secondary infertility was noted in 64.2% and 35.8% couples respectively. Among females, ovulatory disorder was the most  common cause of  infertility with polycystic ovarian syndrome found in 17.9% female along with unilateral fallopian tubal blockage seen in 17.9% followed by hypothyroidism found in 10.44%.Whereas in male, asthenospermia was the most common cause found in 32.25% followed by oligospermia found in 9.67% male. 
Conclusions: The study provides valuable insights into the etiological factors of infertility among both men and women. The identified causes underscore the complexity of reproductive health and emphasize the need for a holistic approach to fertility assessments and interventions to reduce the burden of society and also for good perinatal outcomes.