Results of infertility investigations and follow-up among 312 infertile women and their partners in Kigali, Rwanda

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to assess the outcome of infertility investigations and an 18-month follow-up of 312 infertile women and their partners in Rwanda. Between November 2007 and May 2009, an infertility research clinic was opened. Infertile couples received basic infertility investigations, the available treatment was provided and couples were followed up over an 18-month period. The infertility remained unexplained in 3%, was due to a female factor in 31%, due to a male factor in 16% or due to a combination of male and female causes in 50% of fully investigated couples (n = 224). A tubal factor was found in 69% of women, a male factor in 64% of men. Predictors for tubal infertility in women included a history of high-risk sexual behaviour, HIV infection and a history of sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms in the male partner. After 12-18 months of follow-up, 40 pregnancies (16%) had occurred in 244 women. Our study shows high rates of tubal and male factor infertility in Rwanda. Pregnancy rates were low after conventional therapy. In order to provide effective and affordable treatment for infertility in resource-poor countries the development of low-cost assisted reproductive technologies are needed.

Prevale Nce and Risk Factors Influencing Primary Infertility

“…Study conducted by Shamila S et al on risk factors affecting female infertility in South Indian districts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala opine that there was a positive correlation between infertility and menstrual irregularity. 10 In the present study most common menstrual irregularity was oligomenorrhoea which is similar to study conducted by Dhont N et al 11 Conditions associated with female primary infertility most common was Pelvic Inflammatory Disease followed by Polycystic Ovarian Disease. Study conducted by Dhont N et al on also showed that pelvic inflammatory disease was the most common cause of infertility followed by fibroid, PCOD, ovarian cyst and congenital uterine abnormalities.…”

“…Study conducted by Dhont N et al on also showed that pelvic inflammatory disease was the most common cause of infertility followed by fibroid, PCOD, ovarian cyst and congenital uterine abnormalities. 11 Population study of causes, treatment, and outcome of infertility by Hull MG et al revealed failure of ovulation was most common followed by endometritis, coital failure, tubal damage and abnormalities of sperm. 12 Study conducted by Samiha M et al showed most common cause of primary infertility as PCOD followed by genital infection, endometriosis and fibroid.…”

Reproductive Decision-Making and Periconception Practices Among HIV-Positive Men and Women Attending HIV Services in Durban, South Africa

“…Because a combined prevention program will likely include suppressive ART for the positive partner [48] or periconception oral or topical PrEP [46, 47, 49, 50, 69], it may be important to base such interventions in a healthcare setting. In addition, because HIV-positive men and women may suffer from infertility [70–74], clinical consultation to assess fertility prior to recommending conception strategies will be necessary.…”

Infertility in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Woman’s Issue for How Long? A Qualitative Review of Literature

“…It has also been shown from the articles that infertility males experience the negative effects of infertility diagnosis [18]; the findings suggested that a serious diagnosis of infertility problem could destroy their marriages, and the relationship with community members and a man's prospects of a future father are shattered.…”