Prevalence and Risk factors of Infertility in a Mongolian Population

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, the median prevalence of infertility is 9%, but rates in different countries vary from 3.5% to 16.7%. Infertility, which is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the failure to conceive after 12 months of unprotected regular sexual intercourse, is not considered a medical condition but carries a social stigma and can greatly impact a couple’s self-esteem and wellbeing. There are a number of risk factors associated with infertility such as: genetic background, age, socio-economic factors, and health care including treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. We have achieved the first population-based study on the prevalence of infertility in reproductive aged women in Mongolia, and the factors that influence it.Method: We conducted a population-based, cross sectional study in 4 regions of Mongolia and the capital city, Ulaanbaatar: East, West, Central Khangai, Central, and Ulaanbaatar. Our questionnaire consisted of categories that influenced infertility such as: socio-economic status, lifestyle factors, health, reproductive history, present status and sexual function. Trained staff conducted face-to-face interviews with the participants.Results: A total of 1,920 couples residing in 4 regions of Mongolia and the capital city, Ulaanbaatar were studied. The median prevalence rate was 7.2%, which is similar to the worldwide infertility rate of 9%. Primary and secondary infertility was 2.5% and 5% respectively. Sexual transmitted diseases (STIs) contributed to secondary infertility. Our study showed that the most important risk factors for infertility were rural living and low levels of education. Only 14.8% of infertile patients received hormone therapy, and even fewer infertile patients (0.8%) received in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.Conclusions: Our study shows that two most significant risk factors for infertility were: reliving in rural communities and having a low level of education. Occupational conditions, and monthly household income were not significant risk factors for infertility. Since this is the first population-based study in Mongolia we were not able to measure trends in infertility prevalence but intend to do so in the future.

Determinants of Primary Infertility Among Married Women Attending Obstetrics and Gynecology Speciality Centers at Adama Town, Oromia, Ethiopia

“…In current study the odd of primary infertility increased by 28 fold among women from rural residence as compared to women from urban residence. This finding is consistent with Negdel et al and Mokhtar et al they reported that Females lived in rural areas were more likely to develop infertility relative to those living in urban areas [24,27]. In contrast to our study the study by purkayesta and Abdullah shows urban women are more prone to experience infertility in some regions, which might be due to the differentials in environment and lifestyles.…”