Patterns and Management Challenges of Infertility in a LowResource Setting: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Infertility remains a threat to successful reproduction by couples desirous of pregnancy [1, 2]. Its problems are multidimensional and can impose profound physical, psychological and social strains on both partners in a couple [1-4]. The childless infertile women stand out as being vulnerable to the detrimental consequences of infertility [4]. When the treatment is unsuccessful, the couple may experience lower quality of life and high levels of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms [46]. It is noteworthy that in women having regular unprotected intercourse, conception occurs in 84% of them within 12 months and in 92% within 24 months [6]. Infertility is a worldwide problem affecting 8 – 15% of the couples in their reproductive age [7]. It is estimated that as many as 80 million couples are affected by infertility worldwide [8] and sub-Saharan Africa shares the largest burden of infertility worldwide [9].