Health Seeking Practices of Infertile Women

Abstract

Abstract:Background: Infertility, reported commonly in gynecological practice, has many dimensions. There are many factors, visible / invisible and health seeking practices are also varied. Setting of Study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha, Maharashtra India. Objective: To find out knowledge of women about conception events, gross causes of infertility and the advice-seeking scenario of women with infertility. Subjects: Prospective study was done over two years. Material: One thousand (532 rural & 468 urban) women were interviewed by social worker. Intervention: Analysis of information about duration of married life, problems in husband, wife and advice-seeking practices. Results: Women had little knowledge about conception events, possible treatment options for infertility, but were enthusiastic to know. Personnel from whom treatment was sought varied from quacks to specialist care-giver as entry place. Summary and Conclusion: Gross causes of infertility were tubal factors, anovulation, endocrine disorders and uterine causes. Infertile women from poor resource settings are not aware of possible causes of infertility. Some seek care from quacks, others visit specialist doctors as the first contact. Infertility therapy must encompass information, education and counseling also. Many women may need only awareness, counseling and no other medical/surgical interventions.