Risk factors for primary female infertility in Benghazi area ; Libya 2009 : a case control study

Abstract EN

Background : Female infertility either primary or secondary type is a multifactorial condition.

It constitutes a worldwide public health problem that has gained much concern during the past two decades.

Causes and risk factors of primary infertility can be categorized into: genital, endocrinal, developmental and general factors.

Aim : This study was conducted to identify and quantify the risk factors for primary infertility in Benghazi area, Libya.

Methods : 140 infertile females and 140 age matched fertile controls females were enrolled in this study pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data about the scciodemographic lifestyle, medical, surgical history, detailed gynecological and obstetrical history.

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to assess the magnitude of association at 5% level of significance.

Results : The mean age was 32.9 ± 5.9 years for cases and controls.

The significant predictors for infertility by multiple logistic regression were : family history of infertility, Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI, ) Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).The corresponding odds ratios were (OR=2.2, 95% CI = 1.1-4.3), OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.3-4.0) and (OR = 6.0, 95% CI=3.1-11.5) respectively.

For the age at marriage significant OR = , 3.6 CI=2.2-4.0) and obesity OR= 4.1, 95% CI = 2.3-7.4).The significant gynecological risk factors were fibroids and endometriosis with odds ratios (OR=6.3, 95% CI = 2.1-18.9), OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.1-14.0) respectively.

The most significant population attributable risk (PAR% were 75% for PCOS and 37.8% for age at marriage(.

Conclusions : The results of the present study are comparable with other local and international studies which revealed that PCOS , obesity, and age at marraiage are among risk factors for primary infertility to which strategic management should be directed.