The prevalence of infertility in a rural Nigerian community

Abstract

The prevalence of infertility in a rural Nigerian community is determined by a systematic random sampling of the population. The overall prevalent rate was 30.3%, giving indices of 9.2% for primary infertility and 21.1% for secondary infertility. Primary infertility is rare after the age of 30 years and acquired causes of infertility are responsible for the high prevalence rate. Genital infections (post-abortal and puerperal) are major contributory factors to the high rate of infertility. Liberal abortion laws, improved socio-economic status and elimination of harmful socio-cultural beliefs and practices would reduce the problem of infertility to the barest minimum in the developing countries.