Scholars International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SIJOG)
Volume-9 | Issue-01 | 5-13
Original Research Article
Socio-demographic and Clinical Profiles of Couples Seeking Infertility Care in Bangladesh: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Khaleda Nasreen, Ismat Jahan Kumkum, Zahanuma Akhtar Aoishee, Suborna Sarker Amina, Shahidul Islam
Published : Jan. 10, 2026
Abstract
Background: Infertility is a growing reproductive health concern globally and poses substantial social and psychological challenges in low- and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh. Despite increasing demand for infertility services, comprehensive couple-based data describing socio-demographic and clinical profiles of infertile couples in Bangladesh remain limited. Objective: To describe the socio-demographic characteristics, infertility patterns, reproductive history, and clinical profiles of couples seeking infertility care in selected healthcare facilities in Bangladesh. Methods: This facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to December 2024 at three private and semi-specialized infertility care centers in Bangladesh. Married couples presenting with primary or secondary infertility were consecutively enrolled. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and medical record reviews. Socio-demographic variables, infertility characteristics, female and male clinical factors, endocrine conditions, semen parameters, and lifestyle factors were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 362 couples were included. The mean age was 26.9 ± 4.7 years for women and 33.1 ± 5.3 years for men, with most couples residing in urban areas (83.7%). Primary infertility accounted for 51.9% of cases, and secondary infertility for 48.1%, with a median infertility duration of 36 months (IQR: 23–60). Among women with secondary infertility, spontaneous abortion was the most commonly reported prior pregnancy outcome (62.1%). Female factor infertility was identified in 94.2% of women, predominantly polycystic ovary syndrome (75.7%) and hypothyroidism (32.9%). Male factor infertility was identified in 43.3% of men; normozoospermia was observed in 74.0%, while asthenozoospermia was present in 19.0%. Mean body mass index was in the overweight range for both women (25.9 ± 4.6 kg/m²) and men (25.7 ± 3.5 kg/m²). Conclusion: Couples seeking infertility care in Bangladesh commonly present after prolonged infertility and exhibit a high burden of identifiable female and male clinical factors, alongside modifiable lifestyle characteristics. These findings underscore the need for integrated, couple-centered infertility services and timely access to standardized diagnostic and management pathways.