Prevalence of Primary and Secondary Infertility and Associated Factors of Infertility Among Married Women of Hyderabad, Sindh
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Abstract
Background: Infertility is an important reproductive health concern with medical, psychological, and sociocultural consequences, particularly in settings where women are often disproportionately blamed for delayed conception. Objective: This study aimed to assess the distribution of primary and secondary infertility and document recorded infertility factors among married infertile women attending selected private fertility and obstetrics/gynecology clinics in Hyderabad, Sindh. Methods: A clinic-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months among 100 married infertile women. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed according to the study objectives. Infertility type was classified as primary or secondary, and recorded infertility factors were categorized as female, male, combined, or unknown. Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages. Results: Primary infertility was recorded in 70 women (70.0%), while secondary infertility was recorded in 30 women (30.0%). Primary infertility was most frequent among women aged 21–25 years (38/70, 54.3%), whereas secondary infertility was most common among women aged 31–35 years (18/30, 60.0%). Infertility duration was most commonly 1–5 years in both primary (38/70, 54.3%) and secondary infertility (18/30, 60.0%). Female-factor infertility was the most frequent category (48.0%), followed by male-factor (28.0%), combined-factor (13.0%), and unknown-factor infertility (11.0%). Conclusion: Primary infertility predominated among clinic-attending married infertile women, while secondary infertility was more concentrated in older reproductive-age groups. Although female-factor infertility was the largest single category, non-female-only factors accounted for over half of cases, supporting timely couple-centered infertility evaluation and counseling
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